San Jose Philz Coffee Shop owner and manager Nick Taptelis brought the San Francisco-based regional chain down to San Jose on a whim, drawing in everyone from policemen to international students alike with signature blends and specialty drinks.

Popular among San Jose State University students and people who work near the Paseo De San Antonio location, the coffee shop puts an emphasize on specialty coffee blends, paired with local art and a weekly spoken word event.

Name: Nick Taptelis

Occupation: Philz Coffee Shop Owner

How long have you lived/worked in San Jose?

Two years and Four months.

What brought you to San Jose?

I started at Philz from the beginning [in San Francisco]. I knew Phil’s son and one day I was just walking around downtown San Jose and I saw this location. It was empty, so I decided to open up a Philz down here.

What’s your favorite blend?

My all-time favorite is the Tesora, it’s a medium roast; it’s our house roast and its what got everything started. Phil calls it his “first love.”

If you weren’t running Philz, what would you be doing?

Who knows, I really have no idea. I don’t know anything else but coffee.

How do you come up with your specialty drinks?

Our employees usually come up with them, and then Phil’s son, Jacob, tries them out. He really liked our newest one, Gingersnap, so we put it up on the board.

Is it true that coffee is a good hangover cure?

Yes, it is very true. My hangover special is Anesthesia to the Upside, with medium cream and medium sugar. I’ve been drinking it for years.

What do you like most about San Jose?

All the students, all the life, people always walking around—It’s a good city feel.

What are some of your favorite spots in San Jose?

I like to support all the businesses downtown. But I really like going to Flames, they have good happy hour and good bartenders.

SJ Q&A is a new SanJose.com feature profiling San Jose community figures. Do you know someone who should be profiled in the next SJ Q&A? Leave a comment with your suggestion.