Hey There Brandon!
What do you do at Black Star?
I work on the kitchen team. You can usually find me working fry or saute on the weekends.
Where are you from?
I grew up in a one stoplight town on the east side of Washington state. Needless to say I got out of there as soon as I could. For the past 7 years I would have to call Bellingham, Washington my homebase. I know I can always show up there and have a place to stay, plenty of friends and good times, and a job if I need it. Plus, two of my sisters now live there.
What’s your favorite style of beer?
I enjoy most sessionable beers. I like lagers, pilsners or sometimes an IPA. I’ve been enjoying Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap lately on my swimming trips.
What’s your favorite beer currently on tap at the Co-op?
Axiom!!! It’s so good.
What’s your favorite late night/drunk snack?
Grilled cheese mountain. Which, for those who are unfamiliar, is when you make a whole loaf of bread into grilled cheese sandwiches and no one can start eating until they are all done, stacked on a plate, forming a grilled cheese mountain.
What’s the last book you read?
I’m currently on the 5th book in a fantasy series called A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. I’m really into fantasy and sci-fi. The next book that I’m going to read is called The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin for the science fiction book club I just joined.
What’s your favorite cooperative principle and why?
My favorite cooperative principle is probably education, training and information. I’ve learned a lot about cooperatives since coming to blackstar, and also have learned a lot in the kitchen because of the cooperative work environment.
What’s better, pie or cake?
Frito pie with an egg on top. I don’t like sweets.
If you were a super hero, what would be your special ability?
Teleportation for sure. It would make traveling cheap and I would never have to sit in an airport again.
And finally, what do you love most about working at the Co-op?
What I love most about working at the co-op is my co-workers. I like coming in, working a really busy service, and having fun while doing it. In the kitchen there are a lot of really great cooks at Black Star, all with different strengths, and its fun to work together to put out great food and have some laughs while doing it.



