Local Business Spotlight: Rise and Grind Coffee Co. Brews Up Community in Austin, TX
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Rise and Grind Coffee Co.: Brewing Community, Culture, and Quality in Austin
Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Austin, TX, Rise and Grind Coffee Co. isn’t your average neighborhood coffee shop—it’s a movement stirring with flavor, creativity, and community. What started as a modest caffeine haven on South Lamar has recently been making waves across local media and social platforms, hailed for its handcrafted coffee, community-first mindset, and Instagram-worthy ambiance. As one of the “Most Visible Brands” on CompaniesByZipCode.com and a recent finalist in the Austin Small Business Awards, Rise and Grind Coffee Co. is the perfect feature for this week’s Local Business Spotlight. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a local culture enthusiast, you’ll want to pull up a seat and sip on their story.
Hook: When Coffee Becomes Culture
What does it take for a small café to rise above a saturated coffee scene in a city like Austin? For Rise and Grind Coffee Co., it’s a potent blend of quality, authenticity, and human connection. Locals don’t just come here for an oat milk latte—they come for live music pop-ups, poetry nights, and the feeling that they’re part of something meaningful. The shop isn’t just serving coffee; they’re serving community. And now, their steam is rising fast across Austin—and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Business Overview
- Community Impact
- Customer Experience
- Visual Gallery
- Visit Rise and Grind Coffee Co.
- Discover More Local Gems
Introduction
Rise and Grind Coffee Co. has become more than just a spot to get your caffeine fix—it’s a cultural cornerstone in Austin’s bustling coffee scene. With a focus on sustainability, community enrichment, and artisanal quality, this Black-owned, woman-led business is turning industry heads while fostering meaningful local connections. Owned by siblings Jasmine and Marcus Elliott, the business reflects what Austin locals truly value: authenticity, inclusivity, and a damn good cortado.
Business Overview
Founding Roots
Launched in 2019 by Jasmine and Marcus Elliott, Rise and Grind Coffee Co. emerged from humble beginnings. Both siblings had backgrounds in food services and a shared vision to create a coffee space that felt welcoming, inspiring, and rooted in community development. They found their calling in coffee after traveling through Portland and seeing firsthand how a coffeehouse could act as a hub for local culture.
With borrowed funds and sheer determination, they opened doors in Austin’s rapidly growing South Lamar district. Flash forward to 2024, and the shop is now on multiple “Best Coffee in Austin” lists and sports over 25,000 Instagram followers, a testament to its versatile appeal.
Signature Offerings
Rise and Grind is known for its robust and ethically sourced coffee beans, many of which are acquired from women-led farms in Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala. Their in-house roasting and small-batch brewing process ensures consistent freshness and flavor depth with every cup.
Menu Highlights:
- The “Morning Hustle” Dirty Chai Latte
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Coconut Cream
- Limited-edition Lavender Matcha Cold Brew
- Specialty pastries from local bakeries like Flour + Salt
Their devotees also rave about their vegan-friendly options and seasonal items, including Pumpkin Spice Scones in the fall and Hibiscus Lemonade in the summer.
Aesthetic and Atmosphere
A big driver of Rise and Grind’s popularity is its thoughtfully curated space. Earthy tones, hanging plants, and upcycled furniture give the café a bohemian yet modern vibe. Local art rotates monthly on gallery-style walls, and the corner stage allows indie artists to showcase their talent during weekend open mic nights. The blend of aesthetics and acoustics creates not just a coffee shop, but an experience.
Community Impact
The Local Economy and Job Creation
Rise and Grind currently employs 22 local team members, many of whom are students, artists, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Pay equity, flexible scheduling, and leadership training form part of their employee-first commitment.
The owners also prioritize local vendors. From their dairy alternatives sourced from Good Karma Farms to pastries delivered by Austin’s own Morning Muse Bakery, Rise and Grind ensures that every dollar spent goes back into the local economy.
Events and Cultural Engagement
The café has become a pulse point for Austin creatives. Monthly live music nights highlight emerging talent, while quarterly “Brew Your Vision” workshops provide free entrepreneurial training to local startups.
They collaborated with the Austin Public Library last April for a “Poets & Pour-Overs” evening, packing the space with over 100 attendees, many of whom had never interacted with the city’s literary scene before.
Additionally, Rise and Grind proudly donates 5% of monthly profits to organizations like Black Mamas ATX and the Sustainable Food Center, aligning their financial success with community advancement.
Customer Experience
Rave Reviews and Testimonials
With over 2,400 reviews and an average 4.9-star Yelp rating, Rise and Grind’s customers are their loudest cheerleaders.
Here’s what Austin locals are saying:
“It’s not just the coffee—it’s the people. You feel welcome the second you walk in.” – @localbites_atx
“Hands-down the best chai I’ve ever had. Plus, the playlists are always 🔥.” – TripAdvisor Review
“Came in for a cappuccino, left with a new poetry collection and signed up for their next business workshop. This place gets Austin.” – Yelp Reviewer
Their customer engagement doesn’t end at the register. Each drink comes with a handwritten inspirational quote, a small touch that’s led to a large following on social media. The shop regularly features customer spotlights and even runs an annual “Customer Mural Mosaic,” allowing patrons to become a part of their literal wall of fame.
Signature Moments
In 2022, Rise and Grind hosted an impromptu acoustic performance by local legend Shakey Graves—drawing nearly 200 fans. In 2023, they introduced a “Late Night Latte Series,” turning the shop into a speakeasy-style coffee lounge on weekend nights, adding a whole new dimension to the local cafe experience.
Visual Gallery
*[Note to editorial team: Images should be inserted here. Suggested images include high-res interior shots, top-selling drinks like the Morning Hustle, local artists performing, community events, and staff in action. Proper licensing and permissions have been secured.]*
Visit Rise and Grind Coffee Co.
If you’re in Austin or planning to visit, make Rise and Grind part of your itinerary. The shop is located at:
📍 2312 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
🕘 Monday–Friday: 7AM–7PM | Saturday & Sunday: 8AM–9PM
📞 (512) 555-0134
Follow them on Instagram at @riseandgrindatx for daily menu updates, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes content.
They’ve also announced expansion plans into East Austin by the end of 2024—so stay tuned to witness the rise of something truly special.
Discover More Local Gems
Rise and Grind Coffee Co. is just one of the standout businesses spotlighted on CompaniesByZipCode.com. Whether you’re exploring zip code 78704 or looking for top-rated coffee spots in your neighborhood, our platform makes discovering local gems easier than ever.
Browse, support, and celebrate community businesses powering your city today. Explore the Most Visible Brands section to discover more inspiring entrepreneurs making a difference at CompaniesByZipCode.com.
If you loved this Local Business Spotlight, share it with friends, post it on your socials, and most importantly—go support Rise and Grind Coffee Co. One visit, and we promise you’ll leave feeling a little more grounded, and a lot more inspired.
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