Running Library Coffee Cart Isn't a Grind

Global Grind is like the “Cheers” of coffee carts—a warm and welcoming spot where the friendly owners are creating a community hub and cultivating a loyal group of regulars.  And this being Encinitas, not only will owners Danielle Stewart and Shawn Sbrega know your name and what you drink, they’ll also know if you need some of their coffee grounds for your compost pile.

Environmental friendliness—and just plain friendliness—is important to the couple, who live in Encinitas and have run the coffee stand at the Encinitas Library for almost two years.  “We want to create a community vibe and help others,” Stewart says. Their help is manifested in a number of ways, such as the community bulletin board on the front of the cart, discounts for city employees and support of local suppliers such as coffee roaster Café Moto and baker Nikki Shaefer.

Stewart and Sbrega actually didn’t know much about running a coffee cart before opening Global Grind. Stewart, who worked at a high-stress finance job, was spending hours at the library studying for a brokerage exam when she heard that a contract was available to run a coffee cart there. Some wine and a business plan later, Stewart landed the contract and immersed herself in learning about coffee. She recently got a “divorce” from her desk job; Sbrega, who came on as co-owner after Global Grind opened, still works at his other job, in recruiting, part-time.

Eco-consciousness has been a strong component of Global Grind from the start. Stewart’s brother made the cart for her, and 75 percent of the materials are reclaimed, such as wood from a kitchen remodel and an awning from an old cart. They try to source ingredients locally and recycle as much as possible; customers are also encouraged to do their part, earning a discount if they bring their own cup. And supplier Café Moto is 99 percent solar powered, Stewart says, adding that the coffee is also organic and fair-trade.

The coffee is made with an Elektra machine that sits atop the cart, which is manned by three employees in addition to Stewart and Sbrega. They serve up the usual cappuccino, espresso and latte drinks, as well as some of their own creations, such as The Petermann (chai latte with espresso) and White Willow (white chocolate mocha and whip cream). There is also a selection of teas, smoothies and other cold drinks, as well as baked goodies such as Rice Krispie Treats and brownies, plus a smattering of snack options.

A chalkboard sign outside the library lets people know that drinks are allowed inside—the sign has been a boon for business, Stewart says, as many people don’t know about that library policy. But Global Grind has had no problem building a steady stream of regulars.  Members of a Friday painting class at the library make it a habit to stop by (participants at any library class can get a discount coupon). If customers join the Insider’s Club, they can also text “grind” to 760-515-3665 and find out about deals. But in addition to the discounts and the ease of not hiking up and down D Street from the library to get food and drink downtown, the stuff is just plain good.

“It’s the best coffee in town, and the muffins, too. I come here almost every day,” says customer Gary Gebremedhin as he picks up his order.

“People now come here just to get coffee and not go to the library,” Stewart adds, “and that makes us feel good.”

The Giving Tree

Anyone driving by Swami’s has been able to check out the progress of Tim Richards’ wood sculpture carved from the tree stump of a diseased Torrey pine. Now “Swami’s Easter Island Head” gets its official unveiling at noon Monday in a ceremony open to the public. The sculpture, which Roberts made without pay, is billed as “temporary public art”—it will last as long as the 11-foot-tall stump can weather the elements. The sculpture is located at 1298 S. Coast Highway 101.

Get a Grant

Today is the first day for local nonprofits to pick up an application for the annual Community Grant Program funded by the city of Encinitas and the Mizel Family Foundation. Up to $5,000 will be awarded to organizations with programs that have a broad impact in Encinitas, and will be divided between civic- and arts-based categories. For nonprofits that have never applied to the grant program, a new applicant workshop will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. April 19 at the Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Drive, 760-633-2610); a grant-writing workshop is slated for 2 to 5 p.m. May 3 at City Hall (505 S. Vulcan Ave., 760-942-9245). An RSVP is required for the workshops. Grant applications can be downloaded from cityofencinitas.org or picked up at the City Hall lobby. The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. May 20.