Meet the Owner: Cafe Volo

Cafe Volo is one of the best coffee shops in the city. Say what you will but no one can dispute the quality of coffee and service provided here. I have been a fan of this place for years and have never had a bad cup of coffee or an unplesant encounter here.

I was fortunate to sit down with the new owner Akos Racz (he took over the shop in April 2010). He has spent the majority of his life working in the hospitality industry. Despite burning himself severely at a young age while cooking with his father and slicing off the tip of his finger at his first paid job, he will always love food and beverages (particularly coffee!) and remain in the hospitality industry. Read below to find out more.

Name: Akos Racz

Age: 36

Hometown: Connecticut

Home now: Manayunk

Favorite thing about the community: All the characters... the diversity of characters in the neighborhood.

Do you do any work with the community? I donate to local charities, schools and auctions. We'll give away money, food and drink items, lunches and gift certificates.

Years in the industry: 22

Earliest cooking memory: I was cooking scrambled eggs with my dad when I was a kid and burned myself really badly. The scar lasted a long time but I still love food and cooking.

First kitchen job: I worked at a deli making sandwiches, manning the counter and the grill.

What brought you to the industry? I needed a job and so I started working at a deli when I was 14. As for coffee, I worked at a Starbucks in college as a barista. That's where I started gaining an appreciation for coffee. 

Advice for home cooks: Keep it simple. Use fresh ingredients.

Favorite thing to cook: Steak on a grill.

Favorite menu item: The cappuccinos, lattes and almond croissants.

Healthiest menu item: Our teas are probably the healthiest things.

What is your favorite type of coffee here? I like the Nizza, I drink lattes all the time and the Nizza roast makes a great espresso.

Favorite coffee shop (other than Cafe Volo): I like One Shot Coffee Shop in Northern Liberties.

Favorite local restaurant: Pho 75, there are multiple locations throughout Philly.

Favorite restaurant in the world: Pepe's Pizza in New Haven, CT

Guilty pleasure (food or drink): Ice cold Bud--I had one the other day and it was great.

Last meal on earth: Steak and shrimp fajita with an ice cold Corona.

Have you cooked for any celebrities? I served Martina Navratilova, local news people and some Eagles players.

Biggest kitchen disaster: When I was working at the deli, I was slicing cucumbers on the slicer and I cut off the tip of my finger. The owner told me how many coffees he would have to sell to pay for the stitches and it made me feel really bad.