We Are Happy to Serve You

Nothing says "New York City" like the iconic "We are happy to serve you" Greek-themed coffee cup. The classic blue and white design was the paper coffee cup of choice in many diners and coffee shops in the New York area (before the designer coffee shops came into the scene). I read that the design was intended to appeal to the many Greek owners of diners and coffee shops around town.

Another favorite of mine was the Chock Full o' Nuts Coffee Shop chain which also had their own matching paper coffee cups. I recall many a morning, lining up in the queue, pushing and jostling, vying for caffeine supremacy. The choices were quite simple then, "coffee black" or "coffee light" -- meaning, with cream. The sizes? Either small or large. Their infectious jingle is permanently etched into my brain.

Pictured above is my ceramic version of the Greek "Happy to serve you" coffee cup that I purchased from the Museum of Modern Art's gift shop during a visit a few years ago.