WESTBROOK — Fans of The Daily Grind will soon be able to experience more than a quick passing through when getting their coffee.

The drive-thru coffee stand is opening a sit-down coffee shop at 820 Main St. in October. The store, which is located directly in front of the drive-thru, will be the city’s only coffee shop.

“I think it’s going to be a huge addition for our downtown, especially because they have such a great presence already,” said Abigail Cioffi, the executive director of the Downtown Westbrook Coalition.

Joe and Sue Salisbury bought The Daily Grind last fall from long-time owner Mike Wowk. The couple said business has been great and that they’re excited to open the coffee shop. 

“We’re basically taking this and moving it up front,” Joe Salisbury said.

People who love not having to leave their vehicle to get coffee don’t have to worry, though. The drive-thru stand isn’t going anywhere.

“This is way too busy to shut down,” Joe Salisbury said. “It serves a purpose.”

The drive-thru and the sit-down shop will complement each other and give customers more options depending on how and where they want to enjoy their coffee.

“We thought it really goes well with the drive-thru and it fills a need in the community,” Sue Salisbury said.

Cioffi said Westbrook has had coffee shops in the past, but there’s been a hole in the market for some time now. With more people moving to the city, now is a great time to open one, she said.

“There’s been that need, but now there’s more people backing that up,” Cioffi said.

The 900-square-foot space, which the Salisburys started leasing July 1, will serve some of the same products as the stand, as well as other offerings. The coffee will still be provided by Coffee By Design and other local vendors will continue to be used. The sit-down shop will also serve breakfast sandwiches, pastries, paninis and soup, and at night the Salisburys plan to serve beer from Mast Landing Brewing.

The shop will seat around 20 people and will have free Wi-Fi access. Seating will include a combination of tables and chairs, counter seating along the front window, and large couches.

“We want big comfy seating so it’s relaxed,” Joe Salisbury said. 

The Salisburys said they want to create a warm, inviting atmosphere where people want to spend time enjoying coffee and the company of others.

“It’s nice to be able to have a place to meet your friends and have a coffee without leaving the community,” Sue Salisbury said.

Cioffi said that gathering places like coffee shops are important for cities and towns. Having “a third space” – a place that’s not work or home – for people to spend time helps with community growth and economic development, she said.

“A place for people to gather is vital to a downtown and for people coming from out of town this is a great landing spot,” Cioffi said.

In addition to residents who may be looking for a local hangout, there’s also going to be an influx of workers coming to Westbrook soon. With Maine Medical Center scheduled to open its new office space at One Riverfront Plaza this fall, The Daily Grind will be an ideal spot to go during work breaks.

“Something like that that’s recognizable as a place to feel comfortable is important,” Cioffi said. “It helps when moving to a new city.”

While Westbrook already has some local gathering places such as Mister Bagel and River’s Edge Deli, coffee shops provide a different, and much needed, atmosphere, Cioffi said.

“We have restaurants, which are terrific, but coffee shops have more conversation and you expect to run into people,” she said. 

The Salisburys said they’ve gotten to know many people at the drive-thru by having dozens of two-minute interactions every day. They said said they’re looking forward to getting to know their customers better at the coffee shop. 

“This extends that conversation,” Sue Salisbury said.

Kate Gardner can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or kgardner@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @katevgardner.

The Daily Grind drive-thru coffee stand will be expanding into a sit-down coffee shop, located directly in front of the stand at 820 Main St.

Joe and Sue Salisbury, the owners of The Daily Grind, hope to seat 20 people in the sit-down coffee shop, which they started renovating July 23.

The Daily Grind sit-down coffee shop, an extension of the existing drive-thru stand, is expected to open at 820 Main St. in October.

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