Bronxville on a Budget: Coffee Beans

When you’re on a budget, it’s important to consider the impact of every dollar you spend. Usually I accomplish this goal by finding bargains and deals. But, I also try to consider the impact of my spending on the local community.

Recently, I became aware of the 3/50 project, which encourages consumers to pick three locally owned businesses where they spend $50 each month (total).  

According to their website, “for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 comes back to the community in taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.” That’s in contrast to $43 out of each hundred spent at local chain stores.

When I read this statistic, I immediately thought of Slave to the Grind on Pondfield Road. I’ve never had a bad experience at Slave. The coffee is delicious, and the service is extraordinary. I decided to make a commitment to go there more often (at least three times a month).

Everything about Slave to the Grind smacks of local flavor. They have a community board where people can post help wanted flyers and business cards. They also offer discounts for students, faculty, and staff at local colleges (which is a huge bonus for this girl on a budget).

Probably my favorite thing about Slave to the Grind is the dazzling selection of coffees. Along the back wall is a seemingly endless row of plastic spouts filled with coffee beans.

Sometimes, they have a bag or two of leftover grounds from a previous order. This is such a good way to try new coffees one pot at a time. For only a couple of bucks I can spend Sunday morning feeling adventurous and proud to be supporting the local economy.  That’s money well spent!