It’s a Grind has become the Grind Coffee House-n-Cafe. The first store to open in Plainsboro’s village center in 2006, Grind Coffee House is owned by Debbie and John Nuzzo, and her brother and sister-in-law, Cathy and Dave DiOrio, all West Windsor residents. The family-owned and operated business has left the franchise to become an independent enterprise. “The transition is going smoothly,” Debbie says.
“John and Dave left the corporate world because they wanted to do something on their own,” says Debbie. “Coffee interested them, and they became coffee connoisseurs.” The coffees sold include organic and fair trade products.
The couples bought the franchise package and continued to purchase products through the distributors in California and Texas. “California and the east coast are worlds apart,” says Debbie. It’s a Grind, mostly based in California, has other stores in Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, and Connecticut.
“Over the years there were issues that were not addressed,” says Debbie. “Our business has evolved, and the idea of leaving the franchise has been brewing for a couple of years.”
Debbie Nuzzo was born and raised in Brooklyn in the Dyker Heights neighborhood. After graduation from a girl’s prep school in Brooklyn, she worked for a jeweler in New York City. She began by writing up repairs and with on-the-job training she became their buyer and began to set up the annual sales catalog. “I love jewelry design, and that allowed me to be creative,” she says. When she later moved to Rye, New York, she worked with a high-end jewelry designer, earned her gemologist degree, and sold to the wives of the men who were her customers in New York City.
She met her future husband, John Nuzzo, through her sister. “He was my brother-in-law’s best friend. They played baseball together,” she says. Through the years the couple lived in Long Island, Staten Island, and Rye, New York; Maryland; and Stamford and Fairfield, Connecticut. He was a senior vice president with LK Comstock. They have been married for 42 years.
Dave worked for Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, which drew him to West Windsor in 1994. His job required him to work in the new business and product development and new sales and marketing sectors. Cathy, who grew up in Bay Bridge, is assistant director of nursing at the Elms in Cranbury. She met Dave in Brooklyn, and they have been married for 30 years.
The DiOrio children, all of whom have worked at the coffee house, graduated from High School North. Alexandra completed graduate school in public health at Arcadia University and is working for Blue Cross. Andrew and Nicholas are students at Rutgers. “The Grind has always been a mom and pop family affair,” says Debbie.
The families are involved in community service. Debbie was diagnosed with diabetes at age 19 — three months before her wedding. “It was the worst day of my life and the best day of my life,” she says. “It was absolutely devastating but it made me realize the importance of taking care of yourself.”
The Nuzzos have made it their mission to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in preventing, treating, and finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Debbie has chaired the Mid Jersey Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s annual benefit and is now the board president. Both Debbie and John were honored at the gala in 2013. “We have a vested interest and people want to support the community,” says Debbie, who sells diabetes awareness merchandise in the store.
The coffee, customer service, and atmosphere have generated a healthy flow of traffic into their shop. The store offers WiFi connection, and can be used for group business meetings. “It has become a destination place — and remains the ‘Cheers’ of Plainsboro,” says Debbie. “We have a new look with a new floor and new tables are coming.”
The music and open mic nights will continue and there is a benefit concert coming up. Gift cards purchased in the past will still be valid. “We are excited about what the future will hold,” says Debbie.
The Grind Coffee House and Cafe, 7 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro. 609-275-2919. plainsborogrindcoffeencafe.com.
Benefit Concert, Day By Day Hope Foundation Choral Choir, Fridays, July 25 and August 15, 7:30 p.m. Concert of traditional choral music, Broadway songs, jazz, and inspirational music. Free-will donation.
Jim Baxter & Andie, acoustic duo, Saturday, July 26, 8 to 10 p.m.
Kevin Yu, pianist and singer, Saturday, August 2, 8 p.m.
Tommy Byrne, acoustic pop, Saturday, August 9, 8 p.m.
Arnie Baird, acoustic pop, Saturday, August 16, 8 p.m.
1990s Tribute Night, Saturday, August 23, 8 to 10 p.m.
Anker, originals and pop including songs from his new CD, “Washington Crossing.” Saturday, August 30, 8 to 10 p.m.
Open Mic Night, Tuesdays, July 29, August 12 and 30, 7 p.m. Sign up begins at 6:45.
