Restaurant Happenings - December 2006

When you hear the words, “daily grind”, you might conjure up images of punching a clock at work or getting up and doing the same old things, daily. Well, this is NOT the case and I will tell you why…

First, I would like to add the word “Moab’s” to the words “Daily & Grind,” and get a much more soothing image in mind. Moab’s Daily Grind (MDG) is the clever title of a ‘new’ coffee place that has evolved in Moab. The owners, Carrie & Sam Alexander call it a “coffee hut,” or in other words, a drive thru coffee & espresso depot, you need NOT get out of your vehicle! The dream primarily was to easily serve the commuters to & from Moab, Spanish Valley, and beyond, the finest of coffee for a reasonable cost.

The real beginning was more like 6 years ago, in the minds of Carrie and Sam Alexander. --After listening to them describe the birth of MDG and their own journey to Moab, I would conclude that the conception of this grand little stand was during an expedition to Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.

Our young entrepreneurs were being conscientious and practical as they toured the beautiful lands, “south of the US border”. It was in Baja, Mexico that the Alexander’s met up with Chris and Sarah Martinez (owners of The Rave’n Image), their “ambassadors to Moab”. Upon meeting this kindred couple, they shared stories about their travels and life in southeast Utah. Carrie and Sam listened to the details about Moab while sharing fish filled tacos hot off the grill.

---As I listened to the Alexander’s retelling this great tale, I ate a Navajo taco and envisioned them on an idyllic beach in Baja or exploring the wonders of Northern Central America. From the tree-covered mountains of the great Copper Canyon, the ancient ruins hidden in the steamy jungles of Belize, to the mystique of Moab. Ah Moab!

Long story short, they really loved coffee, adventure and are creative, smart people who had a dream and built it on south Hwy. 191. As you are driving to Alco Discount Store or towards Spanish Valley, you will see the “hut”. This “hut” is aglow with the radiant Moab sunshine reflecting off the red hills behind it, shimmering as the light reveals an actual gear that is “grinding” on the side of the “hut”.

The gear in the MDG logo was natural for Sam Alexander to crown his budding building. He had a lot of experience with construction and had special friends who contributed to this divine design. Many of the people, who did help the Alexanders with the construction, agreed to work for coffee credit! When you pull up to get some of their excellent brew, you will notice the craftsmanship of the signage on and around the “hut”. My half-closed eyes saw the huge metal cut out of a coffee cup (with steam!) protruding skyward and immediately made the mental connection! No words needed. Ah, symbolism and stimulation for the tired driver, worker, ranchers and coffee loving locals.

There is something for everyone!

The Daily Grind has all of the traditional espresso drinks, as well as chai tea, gourmet hot chocolate, hot apple cider, iced green tea, smoothies, iced and blended drinks. They serve several specialties, including the frozen chai, toffee coffee, Mexican chocolate mocha, cookies n’ cream, and more! Their current winter special drinks are Pumpkin Pie Latte, Gingerbread Chai, Eggnog Latte, Peppermint Patty, and Gingersnap White Mocha. Featuring Ghiradelli chocolate sauces, including white and dark chocolate. We use fairly traded coffee from a small quality roaster.

“We offer a punch card to reward our regulars, and $1 coffee refills to customers who bring in their own cup. We also run coupons in the Advertiser.”

“We have many plans for improving the business over the next year. We want to continue to be a vibrant and personable local business in the community. We appreciate any feedback, and welcome all inhabitants of Moab to come and try our distinctive, high quality drinks. You won’t be disappointed!”

“We would like to thank all of the people and local businesses who have helped make our dream come true: Ron & Joyce Robertson, Chuck Garlett, Dave Leech, Mike Steele, Doug Whipple, Jr., John Marshall aka Coyote Land Tours, Gregory Smith aka Sticky Industries, the Rainman, Sign of the Times, Uriia MacIndoe, Chris and Sarah Martinez aka The Rave’n Image, and all the fine folks at Turner Lumber. These people and our customers made us realize how wonderful and community-oriented the people of Moab can be.”

…Finally, this “writer” never goes anywhere without her travel-sized espresso machine and frother, BUT if I did not have it, I would be heading south, for the first time in my life, to get to Moab Daily Grind, Located at 1146 South Hwy 191 #B, Moab, Utah. On the West Side of the highway, look for the steaming hot, universal coffee/espresso cup sign! 435-259-1115 for more information, 6am to 2pm.