Five Questions with Kevin Koppes, Owner & CEO, The Video Underground
For our second installment of Five Questions with… we catch up with Kevin Koppes, Owner of The Video Underground Cinema Cafe who, arguably, has cornered the market on DVD and VHS sales in New England. He also happens to have one of the best cafes in the area (definitely the best with a cinema screening room)- and they are our coffee partner! Here’s what Kevin has to say:
How long have you been in JP?
KK: The original company started out in Hyde Square in 2002. I took over in late 2013 and moved the business to where it is now a few months later. Allyson came on board officially in 2019 and we officially became "The VU" earlier this year.
What led you to establish your incredible cinema cafe?
KK: When I took over in 2013, I knew that building on the purely video store model was going to be a necessity no matter what. But when we were more or less forced to switch locations, I was primarily looking for new space that would make the addition of food/drink possible down the road. Thankfully, the location in Egleston fit the bill and we've been adding goods and services to the business and location ever since.
What is the must have seasonal item on your menu?
KK: Honestly, I think our vegan pumpkin bread is the top choice. Most places (including us) do a "pumpkin spice" coffee drink, add apple cider to the menu, and end up doing some Christmas-y stuff come winter. But the pumpkin bread is the best I've had while also accommodating an increasingly popular dietary lifestyle.
What is your favorite childhood movie?
KK: Allyson: Matilda, Kevin: Ghostbusters
What are five words you would use to describe JP?
KK: That's tricky. Especially since there are so many joke answers I have to filter out :) But if there were five distinct words I'd use to describe JP they'd probably be: community, diversity, activism, growth, dedication.