Fairbrother (Image: Vivace)

The coffee news pullers at Sprudge have alerted us to some tough news about Brian Fairbrother, general manager of Espresso Vivace and a 20-year veteran of the company. Here’s the latest update after Fairbrother was hospitalized in late August following a cycling crash:

After the doctors have analyzed all of Brian’s test results it has become apparent that he suffers from severe brain trauma due to lack of oxygen to his brain at the scene…

You can learn about Fairbrother and how to support his recovery here.

Here’s more about his long tenure with the company from Vivace’s site,

King manager of 321 since before it was a store (he managed the cart at 301 Broadway before that), Brian is now the general manager of Espresso Vivace and also manages Alley 24. Besides being a very unique soul, he is our third leg on our decision stool. Brian, Geneva and I are the “board of directors” for Vivace Inc.. We know that if all three of us endorse a course of action for Espresso Vivace, it is the right course of action. He has earned our respect countless times. He was very crucial to holding the company together during our horrendous transition from carts to stores in 1992. And he has earned the respect of his staff for fair, but tough standards. It is Brian that is the principal architect for our customer service philosophy: compassion for the foibles of humanity. Brian practices his compassionate service, and considerable skills as a master barista and manages Alley 24 five days a week. He has been with us for twenty years. If a problem pops up on his watch he is fond of telling me “not to worry my artistic little head over it.” Thank you Brian