Spire Magazine 2021

“I think The Grind will be a local staple and encourage other entrepreneurial ventures. I also think it will encourage investment in the local downtown,” said O’Donnell. “We aren't like other corporate chains trying to follow a highway; we want to see the downtown landscape grow, stabilize, and show life again. We want to help be a part of a new breath in downtown." The Grind works with small business roasters including, in Virginia: Brugh Coffee Co., Christiansburg; 25/30 Espresso, Fredericksburg; Lexington Coffee Roasters, Lexington; Lamplighter Coffee Roasters, Richmond; and Miller House Coffee, Virginia Beach; Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Maryland; and in North Carolina, from Vigilant Hope Roasting in Wilmington. Alumni Jeremy ’08 and Meghan ’06 Hardy serve as executive director and content manager for Vigilant Hope, “a modern missions nonprofit organization that exists to educate, equip, and empower the body of Christ to reach those in need through the hope of the gospel”. Other goods also come from local sellers. “Our veggies come from local Bluefield farms, our bagels come from Blacksburg, Va., and our meats come from local packers,” said O’Donnell. “We’re excited to involve the local community in every single step. I think it’s special that we’re a small business helping other small businesses.” O’Donnell describes the coffee shop as a place for the blue-collar workers and every- day Americans who need a place to gather and grab a cup of coffee. The Grind serves a variety of drinks, including specialty coffees, tea, and smoothies. Breakfast and lunch are served daily including; bagels, biscuits, wraps, sandwiches, and other baked goods. The Grind plans to expand with a nod to their beginnings, a double-decker mobile that will offer coffee, smoothies, tea, and juice bar at private venues and events later this fall.

The Grind also hosts the Bluefield University Coaches Show every Monday, which can be viewed at bcrams.com. Each week, BU Athletics interviews BU coaches and players from various sports. “I came to Bluefield on a quest to play college football and I found my calling somehow, someway in coffee with the best friends around me and I’m blessed to have had that opportunity to find my highest potential each and every day,” said O’Donnell. “I cannot say enough about the local community and my gratitude for the people of Bluefield and southwest Virginia. Between the support and resources and their continued loyalty to growing the region and diversifying business, they have allowed us to open doors we never thought possible. Bluefield is home and we are grateful to be here.” “We believe in community, we believe in one another, and we believe any thing is possible, The Grind never stops”. - Collin O'Donnell

Stakeholders of The Grind: (left to right) Sam Kirtley, Joshua Wright, Collin O'Donnell, and Cole Carter (Not Pictured: Joe Haner)

Serving patrons in the drive-thru of the mobile truck before the renovation of the physical location

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