Here’s something small we can all smile about this weekend: The Grind Coffee Shop in Jersey City is opening a second outpost called The Grind General Store at 293 Sundyam Avenue on the corner of Communipaw Avenue, The Grind General Store is finally opening as of Saturday, September 26th {with a grand opening celebration from 2-6PM}.
{Photo credit: @grindcoffeejc}
Coming to JC
The news was officially announced on The Grind Coffee Shop’s official Instagram back in June 2020. The caption read, “Finally able to share some exciting news on our latest project coming 🔜🌺☕️🌿! Follow us at @grindgeneral for more details. A huge shoutout goes to @distoart for blessing us with this beautiful piece! 📷: @briwittched.”
The Grind — located at 360 Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City — is announcing this new endeavor, a second outpost, nearly five years after first laying down roots in JC. The Grind first started as a collaboration between three partners — Mike, Shane, and Charles — each from different backgrounds: fashion, food, and design. Each partner wanted to combine their “obsession with coffee and the ‘coffee culture’ with their own backgrounds. In an email with Hoboken Girl, co-owner Mike says Shane is a former fashion editor for magazines at Condé Nast, Hearst, and Time Inc., Charles has a background in interior design, and Mike is a Creative Director for some of the most popular streetwear brands available.
See More: The Grind Coffee Shop: Bergen-Lafayette’s Go-To Coffee Spot
^Shane + Mike!
“The Grind was started by Shane and I, and my good friend Charles, but it is currently being operated by just Shane and myself,” Mike tells Hoboken Girl. “We opened in December of 2015. We’ve lived in Jersey City for over 15 years and Charles was born and raised here. We witnessed the revitalization of downtown and noticed a void in the Bergen-Lafayette area.”
Mike continues, “The three of us have always had such a deep passion for coffee and coffee culture. Coffee brings people from all walks of life together. Thus, The Grind Shop was born.”
{Photo credit: @grindgeneral}
Opening Up Grind General Store
The idea for a General Store was inspired by the local charm of Upstate, New York.
“Shane and I have always been fans of the charming general stores sprinkled throughout Upstate,” Mike says. “From the highly curated specialty food items to cute random knickknacks that you didn’t think you needed. We wanted to bring a similar retail concept to Jersey City.”
While the owners of Grind General have remained pretty tight-lipped about what Jersey Citians can expect from the store, some Instagram pics have provided a sneak-peek of insight.
In one picture, The Grind General revealed what looks to be like stickers that say, “Grind General,” and a lighter that says, “The Grind.” Of course, the OG Grind is somewhat known for its branded merch and apparel. In addition to selling its coffee blend on its online store, The Grind also has an “All Black Everything” collection that features hats, t-shirts, tote bags, and sweatshirts with The Grind logo.
The official Instagram also revealed that Grind General is also offering e-gift cards for purchase amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
{Photo credit: @grindgeneral}
“It’s been a challenge and like so many other businesses, we had to quickly pivot,” Mike says of the hardships COVID-19 has caused for local businesses. “Thankfully, we had been developing our own custom coffee blend, which we now offer for retail. It has helped keep our business alive and allows our customers to now be able to safely make our coffee at home. Grind General has been in the works for some time now and in some way, COVID has allowed us to refocus our efforts on opening this summer.”
Opening in 2020
Speaking of opening, The Grind General is aiming to open come July 2020, though no official hours have been posted. Grind General is also working on how to most effectively and safely open, which could include incorporating crucial social distancing practices into the new business model.
“We are working on the final details, which we can’t exactly share at the moment but we will absolutely ensure the safety of our staff and customers, which always comes first,” Mike tells Hoboken Girl.
But despite the challenges of COVID, Mike and Shane agree the community needs a place like The Grind General now more than ever.
“We decided to open now due to the current challenges COVID has brought on,” Mike explains. “We’ve seen and listened to members of our community and decided to push up the open date to be able to offer staple fridge and pantry items that have been challenging to find here. With news of a potential second wave hitting us this fall, we felt it was essential to open.”
Read More: Sirenetta Seafood + Raw Bar to Take Over Former Maxwell’s Location in Hoboken
While there is no word yet as far as an official date in July, or Grind General Store hours — especially given that we’re only in the preliminary stages of lifting COVID-19 related restrictions — local anticipation and excitement for Grind General has been steadily building.
“This is going to be lit!” @fatmancookies, another local Jersey City business, wrote in the comments of one Grind General post.
It’s amazing to see a new business pop up amidst the coronavirus pandemic, as so many small businesses have really taken a hit. But it’s even more amazing to see The Grind General share its business while also sharing important resources and educating people on what is going on in the world. Stay tuned for news on the official opening!
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