The food business is something that has always come naturally to Gregory Zamfotis.
As a kid, he was deeply influenced by watching his father operate various food businesses in New York City.
Throughout his childhood, Zamfotis pitched in, helping to do things like make deliveries and shave carrots. He eventually helped his father to manage the locations.
When he got older, Zamfotis went off to law school – but halfway through, he realized that it wasn’t the path for him.
“I wanted to get back to my roots,” Zamfotis told The Beat.
So he pitched his father on helping him launch his own business.
At first, his dad was taken aback that he would walk away from a potential career in law. But after the initial shock wore off, he was happy to support him.
“The idea was to take my passion for coffee that I had developed over the years and combine that with my experience for food service, and having my father be a part of that as well,” said Zamfotis.
Not only did Zamfotis go on to graduate law school, but in 2006, he also opened Gregorys Coffee, his very first coffee shop, in the heart of Manhattan, New York.
Since then, Gregorys Coffee has grown to 53 locations – with the most recent one right here in Milpitas, in the Great Mall. Since 2024 alone, a total of 17 new shops have opened.
Gregorys Coffee is a family-run business that is deeply intentional about curating special experiences for its customers. At Gregorys Coffee, they embrace a unique mission, aiming to challenge the status quo by seeing coffee differently. Not only does Gregorys have a one-of-a-kind menu, but they also focus on using high-quality ingredients and providing quick service.
“Combining those things together creates what I believe to be a unique experience in coffee where guests don’t have to make sacrifices,” said Zamfotis.
The new Great Mall location is located inside Entrance 3, near Marshall’s and Victoria’s Secret. In a quick serve kiosk setting, people have a range of freshly baked items, handcrafted energy beverages, and high-quality coffee drinks to choose from.
Zamfotis spoke of how blown away he was when he first laid eyes on Milpitas and the Great Mall. At the time, he and his company were working with Simon Property Group to explore opportunities for locations across the country.
When the Great Mall was presented to Zamfotis and his team, he made a visit to check things out.
“Coming from the east coast, we don’t have those sorts of landscapes and scenic views and amazing surroundings like we do out in Milpitas,” said Zamfotis. “I pulled up to the mall after I caught my breath looking at my surroundings. Then I came inside and just saw how busy and active and lively the community was.”
He and his team were beyond excited. They just knew the Great Mall was a great fit for their brand.
When asked about stand-out menu items, Zamfotis stated that the coffee was phenomenal. He also mentioned that their Salted Caramel Cold Brew is one that customers love. For hot drinks, he said that people like the Fall Oat Boy, which has notes of hazelnut, vanilla, and cinnamon in an oat milk latte.
Gregorys Coffee also launched their own energy drinks, which have become very popular.
“Everything we try to do, we keep a focus on great ingredients, health-focused or clean labels as best as we can,” said Zamfotis. “Our energy line is no added sugar, all real fruit – none of the natural flavors are chemicals.”
Meanwhile, Gregorys Coffee offers a number of sandwiches that can’t be found anywhere else. Zamfotis made special mention of their Vegan Deluxe – a sausage, egg, and cheese combo on a croissant that’s entirely plant-based.
“It’s something that if I didn’t tell you it was vegan, you’d never know. It’s absolutely delicious,” shared Zamfotis.
His Great Mall location marks Gregorys’ first shop in Northern California, and its third in the state of California.
“We’re super pumped to be [at the Great Mall],” said Zamfotis. “We want to be that go-to coffee shop for everyone. We’re excited to meet everybody, really make some great coffee, and honestly make some great connections.”
