Caroline Bell founded Cafe Grumpy is an independent coffee shop with multiple locations and an in-house coffee-roastery
What is Cafe Grumpy?
Café Grumpy is an independent coffee business with six retail locations and an in-house coffee-roastery. Creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can come in and enjoy a great cup of specialty coffee continues to be the inspiration behind Café Grumpy. As the Co-Founder and CEO for ten years, my job is still hands-on and changes day to day!
What do you like the most about owning your own business?
Seeing the business grow and expand over the years while watching staff develop in their roles is the most satisfying part of owning the business.
What inspired you to vertically integrate your company?
Coffee roasting seemed like a natural progression for us. We can have more control over the coffee we buy and serve while creating more career opportunities for staff (for example, our roastery and green coffee buying team all started as baristas).
The most important skills/mindset needed to start your own business?
You need to be hard working, brave and organized.
What makes good coffee?
Care and transparency in every step of the process - from the farm to the cafe.
What is the big dream you envision for the future of Cafe Grumpy?
For the brand to grow and reach more people while maintaining our focus on quality and social responsibility.