It's A Grind Closes

has served its last cup of coffee.

Sunday was its last day, owner Jay Wright said today.

"It's just a bad economy," he said. "And people aren't going to buy a $4 latte if that's what it takes to put a gallon of gas in the tank—if they have to make that decision."

The Prominence Point Parkway coffee shop, situated just off Interstate 575, had become a staple for people to conduct business meetings, Bible studies and tutoring sessions—all while enjoying bagels and sipping unique caffeinated concoctions like the Funky Monkey.

Despite that, "I haven't made a profit in the three years that I've been here," Wright said. We needed "about 30 percent more revenue in order to stay here. I couldn't build business fast enough."

All seven staff members were given advance notice so they would have enough time to look for jobs, he said.

Earlier today, chairs sat atop tables, a ladder was stationed in the middle of the shop and food displays were empty. Wright was in the process of trying to sell off all the equipment because he has to be out of It's A Grind by Sunday.

He said he's not sure what he's going to do next.

"I'm going to take a couple of months off, try to get my sanity back and some of my health," Wright said. "I got some real issues with my feet right now from standing on concrete for three years now. I'll figure out what I'm going to do."

He said he has no regrets.

"This is the most fun job I've ever had and I wouldn't trade it for anything," Wright said. "I met so many wonderful people. This place has become kind of an institution."

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