Nikolas Krankl took over ownership of Taste Cafe on March 3, 2008. He changed the name to Taste Coffee House, and quickly began to implement many improvements. Most importantly, he has started a new coffee program using beans from local roaster George Howell, the founder of the Coffee Connection. Espresso drinks are now made to perfection using the state of the art Synesso espresso machine.
Nik grew up in Los Angeles California, influenced by his many family members in the food industry. Nik's mother Gail Silverton is the owner of Gelato Bar in Studio CIty, CA. Nik's father Manfred Krankl is the owner of Sine Qua Non, a renowned winery in Ojai, CA. Nik's aunt, Nancy Silverton is the founder of La Brea Bakery, and owner and head chef at Mozza Osteria and Mozza Pizzeria with Mario Batali in Los Angeles. Nik's grandfather, Larry Silverton, is a life-long lover of espresso, seeking out a good cup wherever he goes. With this influence, it is not very surprising that Nik ended up in the food business. In fact, the family influenced Nik's brother Andreas Krankl as well, who recently opened Press Panini in Studio City, CA. But why Newtonville?
Nik was studying journalism at the University of Arizona, when he met his fiance Julia Tatum. When Julia was accepted to Harvard Medical School, Nik decided to move to Boston with her. After working at a cafe in Boston for a year, Nik knew he wanted to open a cafe of his own. When he saw Taste in Newtonville, he fell in love. And the rest is history!
