Staff
Todd Taylor, Store Manager
Todd Taylor began his career with Ellwood Thompson’s in 2003; he departed to try his hand at coffee roasting, a long-time love affair of Todd’s but even his love of coffee could not keep him away from his love of Ellwood’s. Todd is currently store manager – and his calm, caring demeanor helps make Ellwood’s a great work environment for all of our stewards. When not at work, Todd is visiting coffee shops and breweries and helping his wife with her business. He also enjoys spending quality time with his son, Joshua.
Gray Carson, Store Manager
Born and bred in Richmond, Gray joined the Ellwood’s team in 2009 after leaving a long career of managing in the burrito world. He was hired as a cashier, but his energetic attitude and work ethic helped him move quickly through the ranks. In his current position as Co-Store Manager, Gray is enthusiastic and friendly, bringing a positive vibe to everyone he encounters. Off the clock, you can find Gray running in local races, doing art at his house in Church Hill and biking around the city. Ladies, did we mention he was single?
Jack McGrath, Chief Financial Officer
Jack joined our company in 2008. After earning his accounting degree from Stonehill College in Massachusetts, and working as an accountant for various firms, he gained extensive experience in accounting for restaurants. For over 20 years Jack served as controller for the Tobacco Company Restaurant, a hugely successful restaurant here in Richmond, VA. He also served as Controller for Bullets Corporation, a local multi-unit restaurant company. Jack has experience as a restaurant owner, where he gained valuable entrepreneurial experience which he brings in his position at Ellwood Thompson’s. Because of his experience and depth of knowledge in food service, Jack is essential to the oversight of Ellwood’s various prepared foods departments. In Jack’s spare time he enjoys staying organized and competitive with basketball, golf and tennis. A passionate sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox, Jack is also a season ticket holder for the Baltimore Ravens. He spends most of his free time at the beach and enjoys reading good books and getting fired up about live concerts, especially Bruuuuuuuce Springsteen!!
Lauri Colbert, Human Resources
Growing up in Boston, spending summers in St. Stephen NB Canada, moving seemed natural. Since then, Lauri has lived in Worcester MA (college), Burlington VT, Aspen CO, back to Boston (grad school), Richmond VA, Portland OR, Los Angeles CA and finally landing back in Richmond. Using her more formal training, she worked in mental health and was the Personnel Manager at the World Trade Center in Boston. From there it starts getting a little less “traditional.” Teaching skiing, working at a riding camp and being a “fill in” nanny for Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson in Aspen. Film and TV production and post production on the east and west coast. Director of production for a “dot com” in Portland OR, organizing spa and “in store” events for Self Magazine in LA — it was all a fun ride but she wanted to come back to Richmond. When Lauri got back she started part time as a cashier at Ellwood’s. Once she got a taste of it she knew this store was where she belonged. Lauri is proud of our mission, our products, and most of all our employees — and these things have a lot in common. Though our employees are not all originally local they all have a strong sense of community and a love of quality food. Like organic produce their appearance may vary from their “conventional” counterparts but you can be assured they will bring the flavor!