GRINDING GROUNDS PULLS INTO A

SPOTLIGHT GRINDING GROUNDS PULLS INTO A NEW LOCATION

THE FAVORITE MOBILE COFFEE TRAILER NOW HAS A PERMANENT LOCATION

BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D SARAH STEFFENS

Many in the community have come to know and love Grinding Grounds, a Mexican-inspired coffee business that turns Owner Alicia Gonzales’ favorite childhood candies into delicious coffees. But after a while, Alicia felt she had outgrown her mobile coffee trailer.

“I wanted a brick and mortar to have a set stable location where we could be found and have a place for people to gather and enjoy their beverages in a weather friendly environment,” Alicia says.

While the new shop on Kettleman serves the same menu as the mobile trailer, which is still in operation, Alicia ensures the two businesses are like night and day. The trailer is mobile and allows Grinding Grounds to meet the community in different areas, including events. The brick and mortar, however, serves another need, allowing a permanent space for customers with a shared patio that makes Kettleman Station feel like a community. Alicia describes the environment as “very warm and welcoming.”

“It’s a totally different logistic and flow,” Alicia says of the brick and mortar. “I love the psychical location. We’re starting to break it in and grow by the day.” And while giving the building a facelift was a time-consuming endeavor, in comparison to owning a truck, Alicia says it’s a breeze not dealing with generator problems, flat tires, and engine hiccups.

So, what should you order at Grinding Grounds? Alicia says it’s hard to go wrong, but she has some personal favorites, including the Churro Latte, Horchata Latte, Dirty Fresa, and Rompope. She also recommends taking advantage of the Walter Mercado energy infusion and traditional tastes like the Caramel Macchiato.

While the signature coffees are a big draw for Grinding Grounds, the shop also caters to individual tastes with what they call “grinding it out” or fully customizing a beverage. Just about every drink can be ordered sugar-free and there are several milk alternatives. “They can be enjoyed hot, iced, or blended.”

In addition to the tried and trues, Grinding Grounds recently launched new menu items. Come in to be among the first to try the Flan Latte, Café de Olla, and a unique take on Cuban coffee.

GRINDING GROUNDS

400 E. Kettleman Ln. #10, Lodi GrindingGrounds.com @grinding.grounds