Australians know how to get the avocado toast right. Maybe not so odd, since the Aussies have been serving smashed avocado on toast since the 1990s, long before it became trendy in America.
The Australian café Citizens can be found in four different locations throughout Manhattan. It was established in 2016, and the owners believe in creating a social environment that welcomes everyone. They serve healthy foods and specialty coffee and drinks that taste absolutely delicious.
Before going out for breakfast this past weekend, I googled something like Breakfast NYC and this was one of the search results that showed up on my screen.
Instagrammable
The modern bright and green decor throughout their cafés is designed to inspire their guests with a sense of wellness and happiness while dining at Citizens. Both their meals and their café design is social media friendly and very instagrammable. Whether you're a social media professional or a tourist that stumbled upon this café, you just can't help yourself but snapping a photo of your meal because it looks so good. And the taste is even better.
Café life is a big part of the modern Australian culture, and Citizens reflect this. The atmosphere in here is friendly and positive, just like the Australians. You feel welcome, it is relaxing to dine here, and you don't feel rushed. It is a beautiful spot to hang out with friends, family, or colleagues while enjoying a colorful, healthy meal.
A success story
There is more than food and drinks to this go-to breakfast and brunch spot in Manhattan. The founders, Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel have deep roots and experience in the coffee industry, having led some of Australia's best brands. The two of them have been featured in publications such as Forbes as up and coming entrepreneurs within the wellness & lifestyle hospitality category.
From starting from scratch in 2016, today Citizens have locations in Chelsea, Gramercy, Soho, and Greenwich Village. They also have a production facility and corporate head office in the East Village and are planning to expand even further in the near future.
In only five years, the two millennial Australians calling New York City home have made Citizens an innovative café where the guest can also be owners. This winter, they launched a crowdfunding investor campaign on Republic. On April 15, 2021, the campaign was successfully funded and closed, reaching its maximum funding goal of $1,238,856. People investing could choose from as little as a $100 investment, and there's a tiered-perk structure, to reward the investors immediately through free coffees and brunches, depending on the size of the investment.
From bean to guest
When it comes to coffee, they are thorough. The owners focus on every single step of the process. From bean sourcing, roasting techniques, to preparation, and finally, the guest experience. You do not get a regular, average cup of coffee here. The rise of specialty coffee is a fast-growing category as consumers in the U.S. are more selective when it comes to their coffee, and Citizens are well aware of this, serving only the best.
The mission at Citizens is to bring wellness to communities, that's why what they offer is inspired by all things healthy, making you crave food and coffee that's good for you.
Where to find them
The café has four locations throughout Manhattan.
Citizens of Chelsea: 401 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
Citizens of Bleecker: 155 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Citizens of Gramercy: 362 2nd Ave New York, NY 10010
Citizens of SoHo: 201 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012