The Grind - a coffee shop with a conscience

by Raul Fernandez and Austin Ashe

The Grind is a unique coffee shop concept that will be located near a Boston-area university. What’s different about The Grind is that it has been designed as a social business – one that puts community development before personal rewards, with 100% of the profit supporting innovative programs and charitable causes chosen by community members.

Image by Nick Guertin, Assoc. AIA

Image by Nick Guertin, Assoc. AIA

Image by Nick Guertin, Assoc. AIA

Image by Nick Guertin, Assoc. AIA

The Grind's founders

photo by Christian Ponce www.chrisponcephoto.com

photo by Christian Ponce www.chrisponcephoto.com

The Grind team is led by friends Austin Ashe (left) and Raul Fernandez, educators with deep experience in student development and community building. Both are driven by an intense desire to improve our world, and believe that motivating people to get involved in issues that matter to them is a great place to start.

The Grind Kickstarter

As you might expect, there are many costs involved in building a business, especially one where the profits go to charitable and community projects. The final cost, including the build-out and equipment, will be upwards of $150,000, but they've set the initial target at a more achievable $30,000. That still means they need to raise an average of $1,000/day to meet their goal – no small task. 

If they reach the initial target of $30,000, they'll have enough capital to get started and the proof of concept needed to secure more funding. "The closer we get to our total cost, the sooner we'll be able to open our doors. It's important to note that there is some urgency here – we've got a hold on the perfect location, but it won't be there forever. If you'd like to give, now would be the time!"

To learn more about The Grind and its mission please visit their website www.grindwithus.com