Srithawai Bunch, also known as April to her devoted coffee lovers, was born in Thailand and has lived in Missouri for 10 years. She grew up on a farm in Thailand, so the open fields of Missouri feel just like home. She first started working in the University Java coffee shop in 2001.

“I love being here, everyone is so nice,” she said. “It is just so fun. I love seeing the students and professors in the coffee shop.” April found out about her Facebook fan club last October. The group was a surprise to her, but she thought it was a very nice thing. She says there is nothing “special” about her coffee.

“I just try to work fast, please the customers, and treat them how I would like to be treated,” Bunch said.

When April is not working her barista magic, she spends her time reading, meditating, and praying.

The Facebook group, “The Asian Lady Makes Better Coffee,” was created by Casey Holloway, junior computer information science major.

“I joined the group on Facebook, because I thought it was awesome that April has had such a positive affect on all who meet her in the coffee shop that people were actually motivated to create a Facebook group in honor of her,” said Amanda Jones, sophomore secondary English education major.

“April makes amazing coffee because she is attentive to every single customer. I had only ordered coffee twice from her and she already knew my milk preference. She takes her job seriously and makes it clear that every person’s request is important,” Jones said.