Heather Latter
It no longer looks like the former “Pizza Connection” that many here might remember.
Instead, the building that sits at the west end of Scott Street had been transformed into a modern-looking coffee shop, which is set to open its doors tomorrow.
“I lived in Winnipeg for nine years and loved frequenting coffee shops,” noted Ben Morelli, owner/operator of “From the Grind Up.”
“I just love the atmosphere,” he enthused. “You can enjoy the flavours and just take in the people, the staff. . . .
“I felt it was a market that was sort of missing in the downtown area [of Fort Frances],” added the Atikokan native, noting he took many ideas from city coffee shops to give his new business a modern feel.
With a degree in economics and 10 years’ experience working in the service industry, Morelli was ready for a venture of his own.
And since his father (who owns the building) was looking to fill the space, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Morelli got started with the planning in November, 2011, securing the needed loans, etc. Then that December and January, he started the renovations.
“I began by getting rid of all the old [interior] and making lists to prioritize the renovation,” he explained, citing the “complete overhaul” of the space took about a year to get through, with the finishing work taking the longest to complete.
“It was mostly me [doing it] but I had help from friends,” Morelli noted.
“Almost everything got ripped out—I wanted a clear playing field to work on.”
The renovations included redoing the kitchen, making the bathrooms larger, changing the flooring, relocating the entrance, and adding a display case—just to name a few of the new elements.
Morelli was able to refurbish the original bar counter top, but added all new appliances and equipment.
He also incorporated a stage area, where he hopes to be able to offer some “open mic” nights.
“I just wanted to give it an updated, modern look,” he reasoned.
“From the Grind Up” also features free wi-fi and includes plenty of seating, with tables, chairs, ottomans, and even a couch.
And it will be featuring local art. To start, Lindsey Joy Hamilton’s artwork, which previously was on display at the Fort Frances Museum, will be adorning the walls.
“I’ve already been in discussions with other local artists and I’m hoping to swap them out,” Morelli remarked, noting while Hamilton’s work is not for sale, other’s might be.
“I want to support the arts community here as much as I can,” he said. “I hope it will breed more creativity and provide an outlet to it.”
Morelli stressed the process was a long one—and not with some bumps along the way—but he’s excited to finally be able to open for business.
He calls tomorrow’s opening a “soft” launch since he won’t have quite everything available yet. But patrons will be able to try out the espresso bar, as well as different coffees, soups, and baked goods.
He also hopes to have some premium loose leaf tea available.
Morelli then will add some sandwiches and wraps to his “limited service” restaurant, in addition to changing the menu with the seasons to include smoothies and iced-coffees in the summer.
While he said he doesn’t want “From the Grind Up” to become a full-service restaurant, he is open to trying out new things and sparking “innovation in other ways.”
Morelli said he’ll likely try out better coffee and tea products, and will be selling some imported dry goods such as a jalapeno spread, olive oil, and pickled peppers.
“I’ll see how it sells and maybe bring in some more pasta and things,” he noted.
In the meantime, Morelli is hoping people stop in to check out what he has to offer.
“I feel there is something for everyone,” he said, adding the location is ideal for those working or shopping in the downtown area.
He also plans to hold different events—perhaps partnering with local charities—to target a variety of audiences.
“I hope everyone is as excited about it as I am,” he enthused.
Morelli said he’s not going to let the state of the local economy hamper his new venture.
“It’s Northwestern Ontario—we always seem to bounce back somehow,” he reasoned.
“If I can squeak by now, I’ll be that much better when things turn around.”
Morelli stressed the community has been very supportive of his new business and he is very pleased to offer another service to Fort Frances.
“Independent coffee shops have worked very well in Dryden and Kenora,” he noted. “It provides a social outlet for the community. . . .
“It’s that sort of atmosphere that I’m going for.”
“From the Grind Up” will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays.
