A few years ago, we launched our seasonal beverage contest—a chance for the experts behind the bar, cafe baristas and managers, to showcase their creativity and gain firsthand experience in product development here at Joe. This contest invites them to brainstorm, develop, and compete to craft the next standout drink for our seasonal menu.
The latest winner emerged from our Bryant Park cafe, a small but mighty kiosk tucked away in the southwest corner of the park on 41st Street. Crafted by barista Makenzie Sandoval, the Banana Bread Latte is a cozy creation that blends banana, praline, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon-nutmeg spice creating the ultimate nostalgic aroma of freshly baked banana bread—sweet, spiced, and topped with a perfect crumble. Plus, it pairs perfectly with espresso or matcha! We’re so excited to bring Makenzie’s creation to you and hope you love it as much as we do.
After a recent shift at the cafe, we caught up with Makenzie to learn more about the inspiration behind the drink and what’s been happening in her life lately.
JOE: Hey Makenzie! Nice to see you. How long have you worked at Joe for now?
MACKENZIE: Since March 2023!
J: What do you love about working at the Bryant Park cafe?
M: Building connections with our regulars. I love getting to know their preferences and hearing their stories. It’s also amazing to meet people from all over the world, especially with so many tourists passing through. And, of course, being surrounded by the iconic Bryant Park adds to the fun every day.
J: What was the inspiration behind the Banana Bread Latte?
M: The inspiration behind the Banana Bread Latte came from countless cozy afternoons with my roommates, baking banana bread together. The aroma of the bread would fill our kitchen so I wondered how it would taste in drink form. That curiosity led to creating a latte that captures the warmth and flavor of banana bread to fill my satisfaction.
J: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
M: Just go for it, even if the outcome isn’t what you expected. At least you’ll have tried, and you’ll gain experience, confidence, and valuable lessons along the way.
J: That’s great advice, thanks for taking the time to chat! We’ll be sippin’ on the Banana Bread Latte all season long.
Banana Bread Latte is now available for a limited time at all Joe Coffee cafes.
Sign up for the Joe Coffee loyalty app and enjoy a discount on your first one!