New Coffee Shop Opens In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield has a new spot for residents seeking a morning jolt of caffeine with coffee shop Rise & Grind. The business opened Aug. 5 on the north side of town.

In addition to direct-trade coffee, espresso drinks — including a banana milk latte — and a variety of smoothies, the shop also serves lunch and brunch. Options range from healthy meals to comfort food, according to the business's owner, who said the tartines — a type of open-face sandwich — are among the shop's standout items. Other offerings include both sweet and savory crepes, paninis, salads and acai bowls.

"Everything is made out of scratch," said the owner, whose first name is Edit, but who requested her last name not be published.

Rise & Grind roast their own beef, bake some items in house, and use ingredients including smoked country ham, bacon imported from Europe, and fresh fruits and vegetables. All the food is made to order, Edit said.

The shop is located on the ground floor of the Trademark Fairfield Apartments building at 665 Commerce Drive near Bridgeport's Black Rock area. The business's standard table and high-top seating is enhanced by decorative finishes such as rustic wood crates and a subway tile backsplash. Ownership wanted to create a relaxing atmosphere with friendly staff who could cater to building tenants, commuters from the nearby Fairfield Metro Station, and customers and employees of other businesses in the growing neighborhood.

"It's a very good location, this building is brand new ... I think it fits into this environment," Edit said of the coffee shop.

Rise & Grind is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit riseandgrindtrademark.com or www.facebook.com/riseandgrindtrademark.