Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Ingram.
Hi Cassandra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Urban Grind blends the energy of the city with the serenity of a neighborhood nook. The walls are adorned with local art, creating an atmosphere that’s as rich as the coffee it serves.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the lively hum of conversations. A place where friendships are forged, business deals are sealed, and dreams are cultivated over cups that tell stories of perseverance and success.
In 2006, Cassandra Ingram, the visionary behind Urban Grind, set out to redefine the coffee experience in Atlanta. With a passion for both the pulse of city life and the warmth of community, she curated a haven where locals and visitors alike could immerse themselves in the essence of Atlanta – a city that thrives on diversity, creativity, and an unyielding spirit.
So, when you have a cup of Urban Grind coffee, it’s an invitation to experience the flavors of Atlanta; bold, diverse, and ever-evolving. With notes of harmony and hints of inspiration, it’s flavors make the city and the coffee extraordinary.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road.
We’ve faced economic shifts, rising costs, staffing challenges, and of course the impact of the 2020 pandemic, which forced us to pivot quickly and rethink how we operated. Like many businesses, we’ve also had to navigate changes within the workforce and adjust our leadership approach over time.
There have been financial pressures and tough decisions along the way, but each challenge strengthened our systems, sharpened our leadership, and reinforced the importance of staying adaptable and resilient.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Urban Grind?
Urban Grind is more than a coffee shop — it’s a community-driven brand rooted in connection, culture, and consistency.
We specialize in quality craft coffee, espresso-based drinks, specialty beverages, and thoughtfully curated food offerings. Over the years, we’ve become known not just for our drinks, but for the experience. Urban Grind is a place where entrepreneurs hold meetings, creatives work on projects, community leaders gather, and neighbors connect. We’ve intentionally built an environment that feels welcoming, elevated, and authentic.
What truly sets us apart is the relationship people have with the brand. I’ve heard countless stories about what Urban Grind has meant in people’s lives — relationships that started here, business ideas that were born here, moments of peace during difficult seasons, opportunities created over a cup of coffee. It has been a safe haven to share, to build, to create, and sometimes just to breathe.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of that impact. We’ve weathered economic shifts, industry changes, and even a pandemic, and we’re still evolving. That resilience reflects strong leadership, deep community connection, and our faith and the many blessings that have carried us through.
Urban Grind is a Black woman-owned business built with intention, strategy, and heart. As we continue to grow — expanding our offerings and innovating with concepts like the Brew Box — we remain grounded in what matters most: quality, culture, community, exceptional customer service, and purpose.
Our flagship shop is at 962 Marietta St., Atlanta, 30318, We also serve our Veterans and those that serve them, at the VA Clinic, Ft McPherson. We have a coffee truck to serve our filmmakers, schools, fairs, festivals, corporate events and more. Our latest location is our shipping container shop in Pittsburgh Yards, Container Courtyard on the Atlanta Beltline’s southside trail.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Building a business takes more than vision — it takes support, encouragement, and perseverance. Urban Grind exists because of all of that and the people who have stood with me along the way.
First, God. He has kept me through all the ups and downs, providing strength, clarity, and always sending just a little motivation when I needed it the most. Without God, the journey would not have continued.
My family also deserves tremendous credit. Their love and support elevated me and gave me the strength to keep going, especially during challenging seasons.
My friends kept me motivated and pitched in during the early phases — whether it was listening to and giving me feedback on my ideas, creating the logo, installing bathroom fixtures, or helping with other hands-on tasks to get the business up and running.
My team — both past and present — has been instrumental. Over the years, they have helped execute, support, and champion the vision. A brand is only as strong as the people delivering it daily, and many of them embraced the mission of Urban Grind and helped bring it to life for our customers.
And then there are our fellow Grinders — our customers. If it weren’t for them, we would not be. They’ve celebrated milestones with us, recommended us to others, and stayed loyal through economic shifts and even a pandemic. Their belief in the brand has been foundational.
Urban Grind is my vision, but its success is the result of God, family, friends, team members, and community all playing a role in helping it grow and thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Urbangrindatlanta.com
- Instagram: UrbanGrindATL
- Facebook: UrbanGrindATL
