Come together for the Grind

Hello!

     Back to the Grind is a one-of-a-kind coffee shop in downtown Riverside. "The Grind" was founded with the goal to provide a welcoming environment for people of all kinds to gather, enjoy a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere, showcase their talents, study, read, or meet with friends and family. Since we opened our doors in April of 1996, we have stayed true to this goal, becoming a social hub through which countless friendships, opportunities, and collaborations are born. Back to the Grind is regarded as the artistic center for the City of Riverside. We have touched thousands of lives over the years and have housed the following group activities and cultural events:
          . LGBT support groups
          . Poetry readings
          . Live concert performances from local and international 
            musicians
          . Business meetings 
          . Collaborative art/music and dance showcases with local 
            colleges RCC and UCR
          . Jazz workshops and performances
          . Bible study
          . Meditation groups
          . Local political forums
          . Local and international book signings
          . Plus much more!

     The years have been good to us. We are happy to extend a welcome to anyone who may not be familiar with us yet, and we thank you, our devoted customers. But now, after 18 years of loyal service, Back to the Grind asks for your help. We need to make major changes to the shop to become ADA compliant. Regulations have changed since we opened 18 years ago and now under threat of a lawsuit, we must respond or close our doors. Also, times are changing, and the shop needs to keep up. So we're turning to you. With your contribution, you can help us:

          . Make our shop more accessible to the physically  
            challenged so that we can meet the ADA guidelines.
          . Upgrade the electrical/gas systems so that we can 
            roast our own FRESH coffee on site
          . Repair our cooling system and add an additional 
            system to the basement
          . Acquire an oven so your favorite vegan confections will
            be baked right in the shop
          . Reinforce our back staircase and widen our mezzanine's
            doorway
         
Help us continue to provide Riverside with top-notch service and an atmosphere where we as a community can thrive together!  

Your contributions will make these goals and dreams happen. Please help us get the ball rolling again so we can stay here to serve you for many more years!

Thank you,

Darren Conkerite, Owner of BTTG

"In the Age of Starbucks & the spread of American monoculture, Back to the Grind stands out as a bulwark against that rising corporate tide. This humble coffee shop & performance space is the hub of all that is vibrant and exciting about Riverside arts, culture & community. Now it needs our help. Consider giving the cost of a Starbucks beverage of your choice. Consider giving even if you don't live in Riverside, but you believe in independent, progressive, community-oriented businesses. Please do not let this precious space fade away."
      - Amber Garza, writer, zinester and long-time B2tG supporter

Check out what other are saying about Back to the Grind:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhKxA53JC9EI7Am4hTSHUA

Want to make your own statement? Send your videos to [email redacted] and we'll upload them to the YouTube page.

Thank you for your support. We wouldn't be here without you.