In Blog, Meet Your Barista // on December 2nd, 2016 // by Clare White // No comment

Have you met April from Main Street, yet? April is new to our downtown Louisville store, and also the co-owner of SnoWhat Snoballs!

Erica, a fellow barista who nominated April, said, “April is amazing. She is a business owner, always takes care of other people and has THE BEST customer service in all of downtown. I love working with her and today she bought me lunch!”

Which location is your home store?

Main Street.

How long have you been working at HB?

Just a few months.

Louisville Native or Transplant?

Transplant. I grew up in Eastern Kentucky, and moved to Elizabethtown when I was 11.  I moved to Louisville in 2000 for college and never left! There’s a bumper sticker that says “I’m not from Louisville but I got here as quick as I could!” – I couldn’t agree more.

You also founded SnoWhat Snoballs – which look awesome! Tell us about your business.

Awe, thank you! We’re a mobile food truck serving gourmet shaved ice. We have signature flavors that are homemade using real fruit, cane sugar, and no high fructose corn syrup or artificial coloring.  We also offer classic flavors such as Cherry and Blue Raspberry for the kid at heart and those who really can’t live without a blue tongue! Right now, we’re still pretty small, operating mostly on the weekends at fairs, festivals, and local events, such as the Buy Local First Fair, and Forecastle. We’re also available for private events, corporate parties, weddings, and birthdays! We create custom flavor profiles, even alcoholic “boozy” balls.

So what exactly is a snoball?

I’m glad you asked! The reason we call our icy treats snoballs is simple — our ice is fluffy just like snow! It’s not your typical snow cone.  Our ice practically melts in your mouth and absorbs the real fruit syrups we drizzle on top.  As an added bonus, we use toppings like sweetened condensed milk, caramel, and sprinkles.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I have always wanted to own my own business! I’ve worked as a manager for a few companies, and while I’ve loved the jobs, there are certain things that are just out of my control.  Being able to make decisions in your business and having the ability to be creative in ways that a corporate job just won’t allow. I love all the little details of ordering products, and building relationships with customers and vendors. If I see a friend and want to step out of the truck and give them a hug, I can! My friend and business partner, Jessica Bledsoe, moved just outside of New Orleans for a short period in 2010. Snoball stands are everywhere in NOLA, and after trying one, we both knew, we just had to bring snoballs to Louisville. After a few years of planning and saving, and the invaluable Kayla Allinger joining the team, SnoWhat served its first snoball in April 2015.

Do you have a personal favorite snoball flavor?

Green Apple will always hold a special place in my heart, but our homemade caramel apple made with granny smith apples, cinnamon and other spices, and drizzled with creamy caramel is my new favorite.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs starting out? 

Get up and start! I have the tendency to over-plan and overthink.  After Jessica and I purchased the block ice shaver, her husband Adam said, “Well, go make some snoballs!” We jumped in with an event that weekend and haven’t looked back.  It’s definitely been a learning experience.  Find mentors! I talk to everyone that is willing to have a conversation with me.  Their advice is golden.  Always take more than you think you’ll need. Lastly, it may sound cliche’, but be prepared for failure. My first test batch of our Watermelon Basil was probably one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever tasted. I kept trying and now have a recipe that our customers love.

Do you have any exciting holiday flavors or events planned?

We have recently started experimenting with snow cream! I use to make it when I was a kid, and it dawned on me that I have an endless supply of snow at my fingertips. We tested it out at Yelp’s Art in Action event and the crowd consensus is that we must add it to our menu.  We’re also preparing winter flavors such as eggnog, sugar cookie, and cranberry for private parties and corporate holiday events during our off season.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not working at HBC or SnoWhat?

Cooking, creating, and cuddling with my animals.

And finally, what’s your favorite HB drink?

That’s probably the hardest question of this interview! I’m going to have to say the Fair Trade Mayan Mocha, but followed very VERY closely by the Beekeeper and the Banana Chiaberg.

Interested in booking SnoWhat Snoballs for an event this season? Contact them at hello@snowhatlouisville.com, and find our more on their website: www.snowhatlouisville.com or through social media: @SnoWhatLOU.

In Blog, Community, Louisville, Meet Your Barista, News // on December 1st, 2016 // by Clare White // No comment

Reading and coffee are better together! That’s why we’re getting lit – literature from the library, that is.

We’re kicking off Get Lit Louisville with the Louisville Free Public Library by including a reading list of our Baristas’ favorite books that you can check out from the library and enjoy all winter:

In Blog, Meet Your Barista // on November 26th, 2016 // by Clare White // No comment

The truth is clear: Heine Brothers’ baristas LOVE Thanksgiving food!

So which dishes did we love this year? Check it out:

Mal: “My Grandma makes a mean thanksgiving meatball + sauce, I’ll tell ya.”

Lindsay: “All of it. Turkey and dumplins is special as its a family recipe and tradition but I do love all of it. Sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie… all the things!  Is it weird that I really like eating the crisp skin off the turkey as soon as its out of the oven? I know, I’m a monster.”

Erica: “Omg everything. Literally can not pick.”

Madison: “The potatoes. All of ’em. Every kind. Mashed potatoes, fingerling potatoes, sweet potatoes. The stuff of dreams.”

Alison: “Hawaiian rolls. But even better. One step up….Stuffing MADE WITH HAWAIIAN ROLLS.”

Perri: “Green bean casserole”

Leslie: “SWEET POTATOES!”

Olivia: “The turkey!”

Georgia: “Green bean casserole! And wine…lots of wine”

Ian: “All. The. Casseroles.”

Lyndsie: “I wish I didn’t read the other comments, I am SO hungry now 😭
But definitely broccoli casserole and derby pie.”

John: “Stuffing.”

In Blog, Meet Your Barista, News // on October 24th, 2016 // by Clare White // 2 Comments

Bonnita has been inspiring people at our downtown stores for a while – maybe she’s even inspired you!

In 2013, she made a drastic lifestyle change and a commitment to exercise for just 4% of her day (or one hour). Soon, that blossomed into a love for running and a life philosophy: “Be the 4%.”

The idea that you can commit 4% of your day, just a small portion, to any goal and attain it through consistency has been a driving force in her life since then.

Our Operations Manager, Toni explains,  “You cannot meet Bon and not love her.  She is an amazing person and a great barista, and so much fun to work with and laugh with.  But more than anything, her commitment to fitness and changing her own life has been inspiring to watch. Bon is the perfect example of someone who woke up one day and decided to take control of her own life and for that, she is so much happier and healthier.  She encourages and helps folks everyday by sharing her story, more than she even knows.”

Read more about Bonnita, or ask her next time you’re in the store!

Which location do you work at?

I work two locations, Main St. and 4th Street Live.

How long have you been working at HB?

About 18 months.

Louisville native or transplant?

I am a transplant from Jeffersonville, IN.

Your most fearless moment/time you pushed yourself the farthest (so far)?

In 2013 I started exercising each day and have lost over 200 lbs to date.

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

I have several people who inspire me but most of all I get inspired by anyone that is overcoming things they never thought possible.

What’s your main life philosophy or rule to live by?

Believing that all things are possible.

If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Save Money!!!

What’s your greatest fear?

Heights

Do you listen to music when you work out/run – what’s the top of your playlist right now?

Music is a must have when I run. At the top of my playlist I have 2 Chains, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Nick Jonas, Sam Smith, Gucci Mane and lots more

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!

Yes!! I have one Aussiedoodle and her name is Lola. She loves playing frisbee, catching balls, going on long runs and visits to the dog park. Her favorite treat is popcorn and she loves to swim.

And lastly, what’s your favorite HB drink & why?

Con Panna because I really enjoy just espresso with a hint of whipped cream.

In Blog, Meet Your Barista // on October 5th, 2016 // by Clare White // No comment

In this Lunchtime Poll, we asked our baristas: What’s your spirit animal and why?

“A momma bear. I’m very protective.”  -Erica

” A raccoon – because I am both trashy and adorable. That – or David Bowie.” -Erin

“Labrador, because I love the outdoors and I can be extremely lazy.” -Josh

“A fox. I’m sneaky and like to hide.” -Perri Leigh

“GIRAFFE” -Em

“This guy (Hank, my cat) is my spirit animal” -Andre

In Blog, Meet Your Barista // on September 13th, 2016 // by Clare White // No comment

Meet Josh this month!

Between graduate school at UofL, working as Educational Outreach Coordinator at Louisville Youth Group, acting as on Just Creation’s Board of Directors,  and volunteering with True Colors Outreach Ministry at Highland Baptist Church, Josh has a full schedule. But he still manages to find time to kill it as a barista at our Blankenbaker store.

His manager, Kate, nominated Josh because he “is totally sweet and down to earth! He was actually one of my favorite customers long before he ever applied to work here.”

Which location is your home store?

Blankenbaker Parkway, home of the BEST manager, Kate Vanderlip, and assistant manager, Erin Day!

How long have you been working at HB?

About 5 months

Louisville Native or Transplant?

Louisville Native!

You’re a grad student at the UofL Kent School of Social Work – which class are you most looking forward to this semester?

I am most looking forward to my Practicum because it gives me the opportunity to apply the skills I need to master before graduation, and I can learn where I need to grow.

Finish the sentence: I couldn’t live without ______.

I couldn’t live without my “me” time. It keeps me (somewhat) sane! I have been practicing mindfulness meditation for about a year now. While not the best at establishing a formal practice and certainly not the spokesperson for the practice, I like mindfulness because you can participate no matter where you are – driving to places, walking in the park, reading a book. Formally sitting is helpful, too, because you have to focus all of you attention on the sitting. The idea is that you bring yourself back into the moment. It’s easy to get depressed about the past or anxious about the future, but life occurs in the here & now. Practicing mindfulness and putting myself back in the moment enables me to prioritize & take life one day at a time. The Passionist Earth & Spirit Center hosts monthly group sittings on the third Sunday of each month from 7-8:30.

Tell us a little bit about your work with Louisville Youth Group – how did you get involved?

Louisville Youth Group (LYG) is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a safe place for LGBTQIA+ & Allied youth to socialize, learn, and grow. I am currently a “Mentern,” which is a super cool name for a “Mentor/Intern.” As a graduate student, my Practicum placement is with LYG. I am an outreach coordinator, and my primary function is to reach out to local public and private middle and high schools to share about what LYG does and to aid in the implementation or progression of a Gay-Straight-Transgender Alliance (GSTA) in these schools. I am also working with individuals in Appalachia to develop a group for youth in that region.

What’s the best thing about volunteering your time there or some of the other organizations you work with?

The best thing about working with LYG is that I can be who I needed when I was younger for these youth, and I can aid in providing a safe space in which they can be authentic. I struggled with my identity during high school and college, and honestly, for much of my younger twenties. I am at a point in life now where I have accepted and am comfortable with my identity, I have made resolutions, and I can use my experience to try to improve the experiences of these youth.

In addition to volunteering time with LYG, I am also Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors at Just Creations. Just Creations provides marketing assistance to low income craftspeople in the developing world. The sale of these products helps to provide a fair wage for the artisans and enables them to pay for food, education, healthcare, and housing. I also serve on the Outreach and Board Development Committees, and I volunteer on Trolley Hop Fridays. The best thing about volunteering here is the relationships I have formed with Board and Staff members, and I can play a small part in making the world (and my local community) a better place. I also chose to work at Heine Brothers because of their commitment to Fair Trade!

I am also a member of True Colors Ministry at Highland Baptist Church. Highland Baptist is a thinking, feeling, healing community of faith. True Colors’ purpose is to provide welcome, support, and spiritual education for the LGBTQ community. I grew up in a religious background which made the acceptance of my identity a struggle, and Highland showed me that God accepts me for who I am, and everyone for who they are. No exceptions! Highland saw the good in me when I couldn’t see it in myself.

Favorite place to go in Louisville (or Southern Indiana)?

I love going to the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork! It’s huge, and I can get lost in it and be ok with it! Pretty much anywhere that allows me to be in nature is my favorite place.

What’s your main life philosophy or rule to live by?
Oh man, what a question! Love yourself so you can love others. Forgive yourself so you can forgive others. Know your worth. No one decides your fate but you. Your past is your past, and you can’t change that. Focus on today. Who can you be today to insure that you will not be who you were yesterday? Who can you be today that will get you where you want to be tomorrow?

What’s your favorite HB drink?
My favorite drink at HB. I like all of the things! Honestly, when I open in the mornings, I start with a 4-shot Americano. It is probably my favorite drink, especially at 5:30 in the morning!

Interested in finding out more about some of the organizations Josh works with? Check out these resources and events:

In Blog, Meet Your Barista // on August 26th, 2016 // by Clare White // No comment

Summer’s wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get some reading for fun in! Here’s the best books our baristas read this summer:

“Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. At least that’s the most important book from this summer that I’ve read. Oh, and also Patti Smith’s memoirs, Just Kids and M. Train. Highly recommended.” –Mickey Osthimer 

“The Sound and the Fury by Faulkner” –Mary Kate Ford 

“All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven” –Perri Leigh Fields

“Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny, The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner, and Dhalgren by  Samuel R. Delany” –André Phelps 

“And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Housseini” –Tess Lindsey 

“Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde” –Mary Ralph 

“Balún-Canán by Rosario Castellanos” –Justin Allard

“Dark Entries by Robert Aickman” –Teagan Sage 

In Blog, Meet Your Barista, News // on July 26th, 2016 // by Clare White // 3 Comments

If you’ve been to one of our downtown stores, chances are you may have met Tyler, one of our stellar baristas!

With a view of Fourth Street Live, Tyler serves up drinks to his favorite regulars and plenty of out-of-town visitors. And when he’s not working at Heine Brothers’, he’s tutoring and mentoring at Kentucky Refugee Ministries.

Sarah nominated Tyler because he’s “always so fun to work with, and has such a great attitude. He’s perfect for a meet your barista feature!”

Which location do you work at?

I work downtown, primarily at our 4th Street location and occasionally at Main Street.

How long have you been working at HB?

I started in November 2015, so 8 months! It’s been a blast!

Are you a native Louisvillian or Transplant?

I’m originally from Lexington but moved to Louisville last June. I’m already starting to feel like a native!

What kind of work do you do with Kentucky Refugee Ministries?

KRM works to help families make a fresh start when they arrive in the U.S. They offer resettlement, English classes, job training, and many other sources in order to make the transition from refugee to resident as smooth as possible. I work as a tutor and mentor, along with another volunteer, for one family with children of many different ages. We help with schoolwork and try to provide some basic English instruction, but I see our primary goal as being positive role models and providing support. It’s SO MUCH FUN, and I hope to continue doing work like this in the future.

What drew you to work for Kentucky Refugee Ministries? 

I took a class during my senior year at Centre College that explored social justice, poverty, homelessness, and other related topics. We had a project that involved visiting a nearby agency and preparing a report of their work, goals, and impact, to be presented to the class. My group visited the KRM office in Lexington and I was intrigued by the organization and the work it does. After moving to Louisville, I was looking for opportunities related to teaching, tutoring, and language instruction–and I remembered KRM. It’s been an incredible experience!

What part of working with the organization do you enjoy most?

I plan to become a teacher, so the work I do is directly aligned with that and has helped me in planning the start of my education career. The most significant part of my work, though, is seeing the impact I’m able to make in the lives of these kids. They’re always SO excited when we visit and have so much enthusiasm for learning and for living. It would be a challenge not to be inspired by that!

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve gotten, or that’s stuck with you the most?

One of the first phrases that comes to mind is something I learned as a camp counselor a few summers ago: Give of Yourself Always. Our director always worked that in with everything he told us and had made a small sign with the letters “GOYA” on it, which he left by the fireplace in the dining hall. I think that concept can be applied to any situation. Being personally invested in everything you do can boost your attitude, increase the quality of your work, and brighten the lives of others. It can be a simple thing to strive for every day, or an overarching theme to your life. For me, it’s a sort of mantra that helps me remain focused on what is important.

Your most fearless moment?

Since graduating from Centre last May, I’ve faced a number of challenges–moving out on my own for the first time, learning the lay of the land in a new city, and just figuring out how to be an adult. It all happened very abruptly and I have definitely pushed myself, but I think that has made me a better and more capable person today.

Top location on your travel bucket list?

I’ve heard Europe is wonderful, so that’s one (very broad) location, but I’d like to explore more of Central and South America. I spent a semester in Mexico and visited Cuba, so I’d like to keep pushing further south!

Favorite HB drink & why?

My go-to is just a cup of whatever we have brewing, usually black (Peru Jaén might be my favorite right now) but my favorite specialty drink is the Mayan Mocha. I’m not much of a fan of really sweet drinks, and the Mayan Mocha goes in a completely different direction. Also, I like the fact that the drink uses powders instead of syrups. I think it’s the most fun to make (and drink)!

In Blog, Meet Your Barista // on July 1st, 2016 // by Clare White // One comment

Next time you’re downtown, stop by and say hello to Sarah at our Main Street store!

Kacie, her manager can’t say enough good things, “She’s such a hard working shift leader, but also a positive and sweet person to have on our team and to become friends with! We love Sarah!”

For this month’s Meet Your Barista post, we’re spotlighting her and her work at Louisville Grows. Plus we got an insider tip from Sarah: Stop by the Louisville Grows community gardens to pick yourself some FREE fruit (Portland Orchard for blackberries, People’s Garden for blueberries)!

Which store is your “home” store?
Main Street

How long have you been with Heine Brothers’?
Since January, so going on 7 months!

Are you a native Louisvillian or a transplant?
Transplant— I moved to Louisville in January of 2012. Four and a half years go by really fast!

You just got a new position at Louisville Grows – can you tell us about your position and the mission and how it got started?
I am an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer with Louisville Grows doing Volunteer Coordination! I’m so thrilled to be involved with such an amazing organization. I graduated with my bachelors in Social Work from the University of Louisville in May, and have always been interested in non-profits dedicated to sustainability work, so when I saw that Louisville Grows was looking for VISTAs, I jumped at the chance. The mission of Louisville Grows is to create a more just and sustainable Louisville, through education and empowerment programs in Urban Agriculture and Urban Forestry. As a non-profit, we make all this happen through our dedicated volunteer base, so getting to interact with new volunteers and figure out which of our programs they would enjoy the most is really great.

What started your involvement in such an awesome organization?
During my internship while in the Kent School of Social Work, I became involved in lots of projects that focused on healthcare disparities, food insecurity, quality of life improvements, and health education. Louisville Grows tackles all of that, from empowering food insecure communities on growing their own healthy food options in private or community gardens, to planting trees in neighborhoods where there is little to no tree canopy.

What’s your favorite program you’ve gotten to work on through Louisville Grows?
We do so many different things! I have to give two answers— one for our urban forestry initiatives, and one for our urban agriculture programs.

In our urban forestry, we have a Citizen Forestry program, where we work with members in our communities and thoroughly train them on tree planting and community engagement. There are different levels of training, with more classes and opportunities getting added quarterly. In Spring and Fall we have huge tree planting initiatives, and right now, we are doing maintenance and inspections to ensure that our trees are growing properly. In our inspections, we work with homeowners and answer any questions they have about their trees, and make sure that their tree is healthy!

In urban agriculture, my favorite program is at our Hope Community Farm, which is located off Taylor Boulevard. We partnered with Gate of Hope Ministries International, and work with Rwandan and Congolese farmers, to develop a 7 acre lot that has been vacant for several years. We have turned this lot into a beautiful farm, with community gardens for 35 refugee families, and have worked with eight growers to develop and run their own CSA. It’s a beautiful project, and the growers that we work with are some of the most inspirational people that I have ever met, and have been growing their own food their whole lives. Not only does developing a farm provide healthy food access to these families, but it also provides a form of therapy for the growers and their families. Inspirational doesn’t even begin to describe it!

One thing you’ve learned since starting work at Louisville Grows that you want to pass on to others?
Going into this, I have had no garden experience. I live in an apartment, and with the high death rate of plants that I’ve had, I was very intimidated to start. When I started, I realized how that was unnecessary, and that growing your own food is not a scary concept. Never be afraid to try something new, and don’t be afraid to fail!!!

What’s the best way for other’s to get involved?
Check out our website at LouisvilleGrows.org, like us on all of our social media (we’re very active!) and if you’re interested in volunteering, email me at sarah@louisvillegrows.org!
We also offer numerous trainings, from Citizen Forestry to our Urban Growers Series, which are on our calendar on our website!
We can’t achieve our mission without our volunteer team, and welcome anyone who is interested in creating a more just and sustainable Louisville, regardless of skill levels.

What do you like to do in your free time?
My co-worker Maddie and I just started working on a raised bed in one our community gardens, and I am always researching different ways to grow in an apartment complex with next to no sun— any suggestions are welcome!
As a Kentucky transplant, I try to spend my weekends visiting all the beautiful sights that the state has to offer! Once again, I’m always looking for suggestions for places.

Lastly, what your favorite HB drink & why?
I am having such a hard time answering this question. My go-to is a three shot Americano— it’s reliable and gets the job done! If I’m looking for something special, I get a soy Beekeeper. I love our honey, and bees are my favorite insect!

FIND OUT MORE:

Louisville Grows seeks to grow a just and sustainable community in Louisville, Kentucky, through urban agriculture, urban forestry, and environmental education. Their programs include our community gardens, community orchards, Love Louisville Trees, and the Seeds and Starts Garden Resource Program. Get involved HERE.

The AmeriCorps VISTA mission is to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

In Blog, Meet Your Barista // on May 28th, 2016 // by Clare White // No comment