For those looking for top-quality coffee with a chic, hip, and cozy environment, look no further than The Grind Coffee Shop in Bergen-Lafayette. The Grind opened in 2015 and was a pioneer for other small businesses to start exploring the rapidly changing neighborhood. The Grind Coffee Shop, located at 360 Communipaw Avenue, is the neighborhood’s top spot for coffee dates, meet-ups, co-working spaces, and everything in between. Keep reading to learn all about The Grind Coffee Shop — Bergen-Lafayette’s go-to coffee spot.
About the Owners
Husband and wife duo Mike and Shane Clark partnered up with longtime friend Charles Boyd, who was born and raised down the street from the coffee shop, in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood. Mike and Shane have lived in Jersey City for the past 15 years, and along with Charles, wanted to combine their love of coffee, and “coffee culture” to bring a chic and inviting coffee shop to the neighborhood. Charles currently works as an interior design consultant, while Mike currently works as a brand consultant. Shane currently works full-time in the social media industry. All three owners combined their skills across multiple industries to bring The Grind concept to life.
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Coffee and Food Menu
The Grind serves La Colombe coffee along with gourmet tea from Harney + Sons. The team also serves specialty-grade nitro cold brew, draft lattes, and black + tans in the summer months (cold brew on the bottom, and draft latte floating on top).
The Grind caters to those with dietary restrictions by offering oat and almond milk, along with the regular milk selection. The coffee shop also offers local decadent doughnuts from Doughnut Plant and DU’s Donuts (also available gluten-free). The specialty baked goods range from delicious fresh-baked items from Amy’s Bread, quiches, bagels, sweet + savory scones (with vegan options available), croissants, muffins, and house-made cookies.
The Grind also has cool and hip Grind “swag” that includes t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and reusable hydro flasks.
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A Q+A With the Owners
We sat down with one of the owners over a delicious pumpkin spice latte to get the inside scoop at this unique JC coffee spot.
Hoboken Girl: What is the history behind opening The Grind Coffee Shop?
Mike Clark: Charles was born and raised in Jersey City. JC has been home for Shane and me for the last 15 years. We’ve witnessed the revitalization of Downtown Jersey City and seen the tremendous potential here in Bergen-Lafayette.
HG: What inspired the three of you to open a coffee shop?
MC: What inspired us was our love for coffee and the desire to start a business that the three of us would create together. My background is branding, Charles is in interior design, and Shane comes from media + food/beverage.
HG: What type of vibe were you going for when you opened The Grind?
MC: We were going for a vibe that didn’t exist in the area at the time. One that represented all of our backgrounds. Clean and minimal design, strong branding, and amazing products. We wanted to bring the best coffee, food, and decor, as well as great customer service.
HG: What sets you apart from other coffee shops?
MC: I think what sets us apart is our product offerings. We are constantly sourcing exciting new products and merch to offer our customers. But what really makes us different is our footprint in the community. The Grind has become the local place for everyone here in Bergen-Lafayette to meet and connect. We are bridging the community one cup at a time.
If you’re looking for a hip and stylish coffee spot, with friendly staff and delicious coffee and treats, make sure you check out The Grind Coffee Shop in the booming Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood.
Have you been to The Grind Coffee Shop? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
