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Community Gathers At Poughkeepsie Coffeehouse

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Poughkeepsie is becoming a hotbed for coffeehouses. 

Patrick McGuire

Patrick McGuire

Photo Credit: Contributed

The Poughkeepsie Grind opened last year in the city at 107 Main Street, the culmination of a 10-year hobby for Patrick McGuire, who lives in Poughkeepsie. The Grind was recently joined by The Ugly Mug, which opened earlier this year

"We're just a little hometown coffeehouse," McGuire said of The Poughkeepsie Grind. "We want to get people started on their day."

McGuire studied business in college and worked in retail while he continued to develop his idea.  McGuire said he always had a passion for coffee and after finally finding the right location in Poughkeepsie, decided to give it a shot.

Almost a year in, McGuire said he loves having a coffeehouse right in the heart of the city.

"I like the progressive attitude in Poughkeepsie," McGuire said. "People are rallying around the city. They want to bring attention and tourism this way. It was missing a coffeehouse, that community space. It's awesome to call Poughkeepsie home."

Besides serving coffee and expresso, The Poughkeepsie Grind also offers egg sandwiches and omelets. A trademark is that a new waffle is served each month.  February saw a Velvet Strawberry Chocolate Waffle. 

"We like to try new things," McGuire said. We got a wafflemaker on a whim and we're constantly trying to think of concepts. I'm a sucker for strawberries. Apple cinnamon is my jam."

The coffee is locally brewed by North River Roasters, which is based in Poughkeepsie. McGuire said he likes his coffee straight up.

"Just like my whiskey," McGuire said. 

For the winter, The Grind offers a gingerbread latte while in the summertime they serve an Arnold Palmer with housemade lemonade. 

McGuire said he has enjoyed seeing the coffeehouse turn into a place where people can meet and work. 

"We have lawyers, investigators and community builders in here," McGuire said. "We have meetings where people come in here and brainstorm."

Having been open for less than a year, McGuire admits that running your own coffeehouse can be a challenge.

"Where do I start?" McGuire said. "It's very demanding and it requires a lot of dedication. I managed 12 retail locations, but running just one coffeehouse requires almost two times the amount of work. You're really putting in the hours."

But McGuire said all those long hours pay off when he sees satisfied customers with empty plates.  He said he loves being in the middle of the Poughkeepsie restaurant scene.

"There are so many great restaurants owned by great individuals here," McGuire said. "They are all awesome people doing what they love. It's so rewarding to have their great respect. Poughkeepsie is a great place to be right now, especially if you're hungry."

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/GrindPoughkeepsie/ or contact (845) 345-9588.

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