For a long time now I have been very proud that Urban Grind has been successful but for longer than many might realise I have also been aware that Urban Grind has been unsustainable. In retrospect only, that would seem like things for Urban Grind are not good but in fact they are better than ever. Urban Grind is in my heart and if you know me well enough you will know that it has been a personal journey for me, not just a business. And it’s not over yet.
So as you might be aware by now Urban Grind New Farm closed it’s doors at the end of 2009 and will not be re-opening at the beggining of 2010. It’s time for a break and a regrouping. In simple terms this is not the end of Urban Grind. It is going to take us a little while to regroup but we are working on our return and will be back better than ever.
I have learnt a lot from my mistakes over the years and along the way I have discovered other directions in which I want to take Urban Grind. I can’t wait to re-open Urban Grind and show you what I am talking about. In the meantime I will keep this website/blog going. I will also be working at the Di Bella Factory which is going to be great. Obviously I love Di Bella coffee as I have been serving it for about 8 years now. I also have a good friendship and a great respect for Philip Di Bella so I look forward to working more closely with him.
For me Urban Grind is more than just trying to make great coffee. Of course that is really important as anything less would be just embarrassing, but for me Urban Grind is a way of life and an experience that I want to keep having. Only one thing has made this experience as wonderful as it has been and that is people, and the amazing relationships we were able to have with them. From the single moments with a stranger that have taught me life lessons, to the life long friends we made, Urban Grind has been about the interaction of people – community. To all in this community I am most grateful for your help, your willingness to interact, your bravery to be yourselves and to challenge yourselves. There would not be enough pixels on this computer to properly thank everyone that has meant something to me over these years. But to Rachel my loving partner, Urban Grind would have never been without you. To Adz, Brendan, Carl, my brother Dan & Sophie, in particular – Thank you. To so many more – Thank you.
Now in looking forward, lets keep in touch.
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Morgs,
For 8 years Urban Grind has been a significant and large part of my life. Like you said, great coffee is only the beginning. What you have achieved through your vision and devotion to a better, more sustainable world is simply AWESOME!! You continue to be such a strong and consistent source of inspiration in my life.
So with all my heart… Thank You!
Looking forward to many more coffees and a lifetime of friendship buddy.
Peace
Adz
Thank you Adz. You are one of my dearest friends and your support has been above and beyond. I too look forward to many more coffees, lots of climbing and a lifetime of friendship no matter where we are. It is people like yourself that helped Urban Grind become what it was. You never hesitated to engage with others. You are a great community builder.
Morgs
When I moved back from my living o/s stint, I met you because you were one of the few forward-thinking businessmen who saw the value in making available a wireless network facility for customers. You were in Paddington and I remember staying there for a number of hours while I updated my OSX, and had numerous great cups of coffee and chats about Apple, the world etc. I’ve not visited you as much since you moved, but enough to know that I will miss the Urban Grind experience.
Hope all goes well for you, no matter what it is you get involved with.
Cheers
Kim
Thank you four your support Kim. We will be back as soon as we can.
Ah Morgs,
Robert and I share many great memories on the back deck of Urban Grind in Paddo – we used to purposely run late for work while sharing a bircher and a coffee or two while cuddling on the couch (those were the days!). You were the kind of encouragement I needed when I started GWhiz and have been such a loyal supporter of Food Connect.
Your passion for small, local businesses and the community they participate in will be missed in the public realm. For a young guy, your wisdom & light shine through very clearly. So, don’t hide yourself for too long – people like us need people like you in our lives to keep us going, and to be reminded that what we’re trying to achieve is a worthy thing despite all the challenges!
Go well, my friend, and our love to Rachel too.
Emma & Robert
xo
Thanks Emma & Robert. For me too it is people like yourselves that keep me going. People that remind me everyday through their example that it is ok to care for the health and well being of your fellow humans and in particular the children that will inherit the fruits of (or lack there of) our best efforts. The ideas at food connect have helped me reconnect with my food and where it comes from. Life changing stuff. Thank you guys!
Mate – your little place in Paddo was the beez knees, the dogs nuts, the bulls tits.. hang on, that last one isn’t right. But perhaps it is since you did things differently – including serving great coffee. As you said UG is in your heart – and since you’re in ours, only good things can come from such solid foundations and support.
Hey Morgs, Cheers for the great coffees and beautiful wallspaces. Catch you soon.
Morgs, A sad loss but as you know us Westerners get hooked on failures like there is something bloody wrong with it, when in actual fact there is everything to be gained from it. You are a big part of the mutiny required to do business as business should be done and you will be back better than ever to serve your community with love.
Have a read of Muhammad Yunus’s latest if you haven’t already. it’s a ripper.
And if you have the time pop out to FC central for a good chat. Emma and a bunch of us would love to chew the fat about how to bring about the mutiny faster.
Robert
Hey Robert,
Thank you. I have not read Yunus’s latest. I need to read more. Would love to drop into FC Central. Are you guys ever there on the weekends?
I encourage everyone to check out Food Connect and get in touch with where your food comes from.
Very rarely there on weekends Morgs. You could come out & try and sell us coffee though (hint hint)