News Summary

In Avondale, Arizona, Daphnie Kelly transformed her love for coffee into a thriving business, Modern Grind Coffee, despite facing significant challenges like a brain injury and the pandemic. Founded in 2017, her shop has grown from $8,000 in revenue in 2020 to an expected $650,000 in 2024, fueled by community support and a unique menu. The shop not only serves amazing coffee but also supports local schools and promotes community spirit.

Avondale’s Coffee Overcomer: From Teacher to Six-Figure Entrepreneur

In the heart of Avondale, Arizona, a remarkable story of resilience and entrepreneurship unfolds at Modern Grind Coffee, a business like no other. Founded in 2017 by Daphnie Kelly, a passionate former teacher, this coffee shop has grown through adversity, proving that with the right mindset and community support, anything is possible.

Homegrown from School Fundraising

Kelly’s coffee venture started with a simple yet effective fundraising model. Local schools and teachers sold coffee to raise much-needed funds. This not only gave schools a fresh source of income but also injected a sense of community spirit into the initiative. The concept was new, unique, and perfectly timed – a true blend of excellence that could see the school halls buzzing with excitement.

Bouncing Back from Hardships

However, the journey was not without its struggles. Kelly faced a life-changing challenge when she was involved in a car accident. The result? A brain injury that brought some severe cognitive difficulties, impacting her capacity to manage her business effectively. On top of that, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threw an entire year’s worth of plans into disarray. Expansion projects were put on hold, but Kelly’s resilience shone through these tough times.

Turning Adversity into Triumph

Despite these significant challenges, Modern Grind Coffee has blossomed! In just a few short years, the revenue skyrocketed from around $8,000 in 2020 to an impressive $650,000 in 2024, with plans to reach $750,000 in 2025. It shows just how much this community loves their local coffee shop.

Unique Flavors That Stand Out

What really sets Modern Grind Coffee apart is its tantalizing selection of unique flavor blends, including the much talked about white coffee. This coffee is made from under-roasted beans which gives it a distinctive taste that coffee aficionados are falling head over heels for. It’s not just about caffeine; it’s about the experience!

Building Through Community Support

Kelly combines her educational background, holding a bachelor’s degree and an MBA focused on entrepreneurship, with a mission to give back. Her goal? To support teachers and youth programs in the area. Modern Grind Coffee is not just a business; it’s a platform for community building, and 90% of the ingredients are locally sourced, with a strong preference for female vendors. There’s a sense of pride in knowing you’re contributing to your local economy!

Weathering the Pandemic Storm

With the pandemic causing delays in the opening of her brick-and-mortar location, Kelly faced nine long months of disruption. The plan that should have taken three months turned into a lengthy saga, but determination and a strategy to utilize a Small Business Administration line of credit helped her finish the buildout.

Growing the Menu and the Team

To further solidify the coffee shop’s presence, Modern Grind Coffee expanded its menu, adding a delightful array of drinks and food items. From refreshing tea and smoothies to hearty burritos and muffins, they seem to have thought of it all! The team has now grown to include 14 dedicated members, who together create a welcoming environment for everyone looking for a delicious cup of coffee.

Future Plans: More Locations Ahead!

Looking ahead, the buzz around Modern Grind Coffee isn’t slowing down. Plans are already in the works for another location in the West Valley, with whispers of two more undisclosed spots in the pipeline. It’s safe to say that this growing coffee brand has only just begun its journey, and the community is ready to support it every step of the way.

As Modern Grind Coffee continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the incredible things that can happen when determination and community spirit unite. With every cup, you not only get a great coffee experience but are also partaking in a larger mission of community support and development.

Avondale’s Coffee Overcomer: A Journey of Resilience