Back to the Grind - literally

Do you hear that hum? It's the newest addition to our bakery cafe’s back counter - an automatic dosing espresso grinder. I was recently able to make this exciting purchase thanks to a grant awarded by the York County Economic Alliance.

This is the third grant I have received from YCEA to aid my entrepreneurial journey, one during COVID and two smaller once since then. It has been an honor and a HUGE help to receive these grants. When operating a small business (especially in the first few years) it's hard to pay for everything you need to operate the business let alone any "extras" or "improvements."

When I was looking for my first espresso grinder, I found a used manual espresso grinder from another local coffee shop. With so many other costs, I was thankful for this piece of machinery that got the job done so I could put money towards bigger expenses. While this grinder got us through the first year of operation, it's manual features meant that our baristas would tire their arm out pulling shots of espresso (especially in a latte rush) and customers would wait longer for their orders. This latest grant I received allowed me to purchase an automatic dosing espresso grinder for the bakery café! The benefits of a hands-free grinder are twofold: increased efficiency making espresso drinks and less hassle for our baristas pulling shots.

I am very grateful to the YCEA for seeing the potential small businesses have to create high quality jobs and contribute to the quality of life for everyone in their community. It is an honor to serve Dillsburg and its outskirts through the food and drinks we offer and the space we are creating. I take this opportunity very seriously, so I appreciate when our customers and others (like the YCEA members and leadership) recognize this in me.