Community Connect: Samira Massey, Owner of The Daily Grind
by Sheila Duncan
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to become disconnected from the heartbeat of your community. Yet, encouraging the growth of strong connections with local officials, leaders, and neighbors is not just a good idea—it’s vital for fostering a sense of belonging and building a resilient, supportive community. Here’s how you can get to know the people who shape your community:
Nestled in the heart of a charming neighborhood of Centreville, “The Daily Grind” coffee shop on Hazel Street is a cozy retreat that effortlessly combines a vintage aesthetic with modern comforts. This hidden gem is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it’s a haven for those seeking a serene environment, a sense of community, and exceptional brews.
Stepping into the coffee shop feels like walking into a warm and inviting space. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the faint aroma of baked goods, enveloping visitors in a comforting embrace. Regular patrons can often be found engaged in animated discussions. In a world where the pace of life can often feel overwhelming, the coffee shop offers a refreshing respite. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor the simple pleasures of a well-brewed cup of coffee and the joy of good company.
Owner Samira Massey has been open since 2021 and earned her Barista Degree from Raleigh, North Carolina. Samira and her husband, Kenny are the proud parents of 3 and grandparents of nine, Florida was their home before relocating to Centreville. I had the chance to get Samira to answer a few questions for us so we can get to know her better. Let’s hear what she had to say.
What inspired you to start your own coffee shop? “I’m very social and I saw a niche that needed to be filled.”
I heard you don’t like coffee so; can you recall the first time you fell in love with the smoothies and the teas? “I knew there were others like me who do not like coffee so I decided to make alternative drinks that anyone will love. Blueberry and Black Cherry Busy teas are my favorite.”
How do you create a welcoming atmosphere for your customers? “Service with a smile and lots of conversation.”
What’s the most memorable customer interaction you’ve had? “I enjoy getting to know people and seeing my regulars who have become friends is also a highlight.”
What’s your favorite coffee-making technique and why? “Iced lattes are my favorite to make.”
How do you come up with new and unique drinks for your menu? “Most new ideas come from customer request. The Jada is the most popular. It’s an iced coffee with hot shots of espresso, caramel drizzle and white chocolate, with homemade vanilla cold foam topping.”
What’s a day in the life of a barista owner like? “An early start, a busy morning, a hectic lunch time, an afternoon pick-me-up, then repeat. Wednesday through Friday 7 am-2 pm.”
Is there a particular drink or recipe that holds a special place in your heart? “The chicken salad is my signature dish. I make it every week and it sells out. We included into lunch every day. The biggest challenge is figuring out what the people want to eat.”
How do you ensure high-quality service and drinks? “I do everything myself.”
How do you engage with your local community? “Friendly atmosphere, various dinner theaters and steak dinners plus I use local honey in the coffees sourced from George Jay in Pondville and Tom’s Bees in Marion. We sell their honey in the shop too.”
Are there any local events or causes your coffee shop supports? “The Colors on the Cahaba in support of the Bibb County Sav-A-Life, BC Booster Club supporter, Bibb County Chamber member and board member. The shop has hosted club dinners, baby showers, Mother’s Day tea parties. We carry handmade gifts made by Cahaba Create turned by Melissa Thompson and other colorful gifts, bags and shirts.”
What coffee trends are you most excited about right now? “Fall always brings in Pumpkin lovers.”
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a coffee shop owner? “We had to close for 5 months after a pipe burst and flooded the shop. We were able to renovate and make lots of upgrades.”
If you could only drink one type of coffee, smoothie or tea for the rest of your life, what would it be? “That would be Blueberry Tea with honey.”
If your coffee shop had a signature catchphrase or motto, what would it be? “But first, coffee!”
The Daily Grind offers a multitude of different coffee varieties, smoothies, teas, lunch, desserts, bagels and pastries, as well as special events such as steak dinner nights and murder mystery nights.
And a surprise! Samira doesn’t even drink coffee, but she loves the smoothies and especially the teas! But that doesn’t stop her from making some of the best coffee around!
Stop in and get some coffee and some friendly conversation while you look at the local goods from vendors and local artist!
Special, unique, and inviting …that’s what you’ll get from The Daily Grind!
“Exploring your community allows you to uncover its hidden gems and forge meaningful connections with your neighbors.” Thank you, Samira Massey, for taking the time to answer our questions so that we may get to know you and your family on a more personal level.
