Gregory Zamfotis, founder of Gregory’s Coffee, brings his family-run business to Northern California with the opening of a new location at the Great Mall in Milpitas.
Gregory Zamfotis has always had food business in his blood. Growing up in New York City, he was surrounded by his father’s various food ventures, contributing to operations from deliveries to food preparation. This hands-on experience set the stage for his eventual entry into the business world.
However, after pursuing law school, Zamfotis realized that his true passion lay elsewhere. “I wanted to get back to my roots,” he shared. He made the bold decision to leave law behind and approached his father with a business proposal: to launch his own coffee shop.
Though initially surprised by his son’s decision to leave a potential law career, Zamfotis’ father supported the move. Together, they would combine his love for coffee with his background in food service. In 2006, Zamfotis opened Gregory’s Coffee in Manhattan—a pivotal moment that marked the start of his journey in the coffee business.
Since then, Gregory’s Coffee has grown rapidly, expanding to 53 locations. The brand’s most recent opening is in Milpitas, located inside the Great Mall. This addition is part of a larger expansion, with 17 new locations launched in 2024 alone.
A Family-Run Business with a Unique Mission
Gregory’s Coffee remains a family-owned operation, built on the idea of creating unique and memorable experiences for its customers. “We challenge the status quo by seeing coffee differently,” Zamfotis explained. This vision is reflected in their menu, which offers high-quality coffee drinks, freshly baked items, and energy beverages—all served quickly and with a focus on top-tier ingredients.
The new Milpitas location, which features a quick-serve kiosk, offers a variety of beverages and food items to choose from. Located near popular stores like Marshall’s and Victoria’s Secret, the shop is situated within the bustling environment of the Great Mall.
Zamfotis expressed his awe at the area when he first visited Milpitas. “Coming from the East Coast, we don’t have landscapes or scenic views like Milpitas,” he said. “The surroundings took my breath away, and once inside, I saw how busy and vibrant the community was. It felt like a perfect match for our brand.”
Signature Menu Items
When asked about standout menu items, Zamfotis mentioned the highly popular Salted Caramel Cold Brew and the Fall Oat Boy, a fall-inspired oat milk latte with hazelnut, vanilla, and cinnamon. Another big hit at Gregory’s is their line of energy drinks, which are made with all-natural ingredients and free from added sugars.
“Our energy drinks are crafted with real fruit—no artificial chemicals or flavors,” Zamfotis said. “We always strive to offer clean, health-conscious options.”
For those seeking a hearty meal, Gregory’s also offers sandwiches that set them apart from other coffee shops. A standout is the Vegan Deluxe, a plant-based take on the classic sausage, egg, and cheese croissant. “It’s so delicious that you’d never guess it’s vegan,” Zamfotis added.
A New Chapter for Gregory’s Coffee in Northern California
The Milpitas location marks Gregory’s Coffee’s first shop in Northern California, and its third in California overall. “We’re thrilled to be here at the Great Mall,” Zamfotis said. “Our goal is to become the go-to coffee shop for everyone in the area. We’re excited to build relationships, serve great coffee, and connect with the community.”
As Gregory’s Coffee continues to grow, Zamfotis remains focused on offering exceptional coffee and creating unique experiences that stand out in the competitive coffee shop landscape.
