Daily Grind grows from divine inspiration
Staff writer
So many people have been involved in making Marion's newest business a reality that the owners are fearful of naming names.
"I'm so afraid I'll leave someone out," said Marion resident Kym Thompson.
Kym and her husband, Troy, are the owners of The Daily Grind Coffeehouse, located at 125 E. Main, Marion. The coffeehouse officially opened for business July 18, after months of planning, cleaning, organizing, and finding — or building — fixtures and supplies.
"Our opening was announced at the churches," Kym said. "We had teenagers singing and all kinds of things going on that night. The place was full."
Since then, business has been good at The Daily Grind.
"We may have one table filled with kids playing chess or checkers," Kym said. "Then we'll have a table with retired people visiting and drinking coffee.
Like its city counterparts, The Daily Grind offers a variety of coffee products — regular, decaf, flavored coffees, espresso, cappuccino, lattes, ice coffees, as well as other types of beverages including fruit smoothies, iced or hot tea, Jones Soda, Italian soda, and other products.
Also available are food items like muffins, biscotti, and other "coffee shop" treats. An excellent baker, Kym hopes to try her hand soon at making homemade biscotti. Soon, the business also will offer flavored coffee beans for sale.
One of the most popular items this summer has been the iced coffee, frappe, or smoothie. "People like the creamy texture," Kym said.
The Daily Grind gets its name from several things. Most obviously, the "grind" reflects how coffee is made. The "daily grind" also refers to the stresses which affect people everyday and the shop provides a place to escape those stresses. And finally, the Daily Grind also is a play on common newspaper names. The decor, which features a display of vintage cameras and old newspapers, reflects that angle.
While the beverages and food are like those offered at other coffee shops, the Daily Grind is unlike other businesses. This coffee shop is not designed to make a profit for the owners, but to make a profit which will benefit the community.
The beginning
The backstory behind Marion's newest business is unique. The idea for a coffeehouse was the brainchild of Kym's teenage daughter, Brianna Smith, who felt she was "divinely inspired" to create a place for kids to gather.
"There was no place here for the kids to hang out other than on the streets and sidewalks," Kym said. "She thought it would be nice to have a place for people to go after the ball game. Two evangelistic ministers who were ministering in the community this past winter supported Brianna in her mission and the idea for a coffeehouse was up and running."
Unfortunately, it took months before the coffeehouse actually opened. During that time, Brianna moved to a new city and the ministers followed the call elsewhere. However, the Thompsons decided to continue on.
"She handed it over to Troy and I," Kym explained. "We still wanted to keep that dream or mission a reality."
The goal of The Daily Grind is to provide a place for people of all ages to gather and visit, while they enjoy a beverage or snack.
"There's no TV here in the corner. Just people relating to each other," Kym said.
Initially, proceeds will be put back into the business for supplies, but later the Thompsons plan to return proceeds back to the community.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to put money into different needs or causes," Kym explained. "We want to give back to the kids and the community."
Volunteer effort
Kym said that "giving back" to the community is important since the community chipped in to make the coffeehouse a reality. Numerous volunteers, organizations, businesses, and others gave time, talent, money, or donations to make Brianna's dream come true.
"I'd really like to thank my husband Troy for all his help. He's spent untold hours in here cleaning, painting, and helping to get this place ready," Kym said.
For instance, furnishings were made by a Marion High School shop class, John Laurin, and Troy Thompson. The counter was made out of tin donated by Marion Manufacturing and Ken Arnhold brought in the tile top. Western Associates donated coffee cups. The sink and refrigerator were both donated.
"The other day we had a person here who said it was too bad we didn't have a phone because if we did she would call in her order ahead of time," Kym asked. "Another person asked how much it would cost to connect a phone and said they'd pay for it. So we have a phone."
Carlsons' Grocery donated a cooler, various churches donated the tables or money to purchase tables, chairs, and the chrome stools which enhance the colorful decor.
"I call it early-American garage sale," Kym said with a laugh. "But we'd say 'there's a need' and items would show up. A lot of prayer has been involved with all this."
Right now, the coffee shop has a need for volunteers to run the business during the day. As an employee with Marion County Special Education Cooperative, Kym will go back to work next week with the start of the new school year. While there are ample volunteers — mostly students — to run the coffee shop after school, the need exists for someone to volunteer during the work day.
Besides Kym, other volunteer workers include Vicki Guetersloh, Judith Priest, Robin Dicks, Kym's sister Michelle Abbott-Becker, and a list of volunteers — many high school girls — who have signed up to help.
"It takes about an hour for training," Kym said. "If anyone is interested in volunteering during the day, let me know. I'd hate to have to close during the day."
Also needed are commercial-style coffee pots, espresso machines which would allow the business to fill orders quicker, and other items.
Before opening the coffeehouse, Kym said she researched what would be needed. Interestingly enough, a person who might be considered a competitor was her biggest help.
"Marissa over at Little Pleasures (coffeehouse in Hillsboro) has been more than helpful. She helped me with the licensing, finding inventory, and equipment. She's always more than happy to help."
One of the features in the coffeehouse is a raised area which can be used as a stage. Kym hopes it will become a place where local talent is showcased. Any individual who might like to perform should notify Kym.
The Daily Grind is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. The phone number is 382-2991.
And what does Brianna think of her brainchild?
"She was in here after we were done and she said 'this is exactly how I thought it would be'," Kym recalled.
