Coffee aficionados and occasional coffee drinkers seeking new tastes will be pleased to learn about Comox Valley鈥檚 new mobile coffee shop. 

Rise & Grind Coffee opened its doors on June 8 and is currently located at Courtenay鈥檚 Off the Rails Farm and Market, 3125 Piercy Ave., selling coffees from Saturdays to Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Carolyn Kirk and Matthew Menard, a construction couple seeking to break away from their routine 9-5 schedule, are the founders of this new venture.

鈥淚 just turned 30 this year and I'm at that point in my life where I wanted to do something I was passionate about, and coffee was that thing for me,鈥� Kirk said. 鈥淚 actually brought up the idea to Matthew one day and he said, 鈥楲et's do it!鈥� There was no hesitation; we just jumped right in.鈥�

Having worked in coffee shops across Western Canada and developed a passion for hot beverages, Kirk wanted to bring her expertise to the Comox Valley.

鈥淚 first worked at a high-end coffee shop when I lived in Calgary when I was much younger, and they were really intense,鈥� said Kirk. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 how I grew my passion, from realizing that there's so much more to it than just sitting down with a cup of coffee. It's an art just like crafting beers or baking a cake.鈥�

In their small farmhouse-themed trailer built from scratch, the couple offers a variety of espresso-based drinks with beans sourced from a local supplier.

鈥淥ur coffee beans are roasted by a family friend of ours in Black Creek, so it's all fresh roasted every week,鈥� said Kirk. 鈥淲e really just want to make sure that everyone gets to enjoy top-quality fresh roasted coffees.鈥�

In addition to coffee, Rise & Grind also offers different teas and locally baked pastries for those wishing to enjoy the environment and take a little break from their busy day.

Located in a quiet corner of Off the Rails Farm, Kirk and Menard mentioned strategically choosing this location after connecting with the property鈥檚 owners.

鈥淭his location is right off the connector and it's quiet here,鈥� said Kirk. "It's not like going into the city to grab a coffee where everyone's in a rush. It's just quiet and calm, and I think people are really loving the environment.鈥�

After less than a month of being open, the couple has already received great feedback from a returning crowd. Encouraged by these positive reviews, the couple is now considering expanding their business.

鈥淚 want to build another one,鈥� said Menard. 鈥淲e want to have a brick-and-mortar location, and maybe even roast our own beans in a year. That鈥檚 the dream.鈥�

For more information about Rise & Grind Coffee, visit their or follow their .

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