Bridgette Smith has found a sense of community in Milledgeville with the help of coffee. Smith moved from McDonough in the fall of 2022 to open Morning Grind Coffee with her husband Jared Smith.
“My husband and I never thought we would end up back in our college town, but the community we have found here is truly meant for us,” said Smith.
Smith is originally from Monticello and a graduate of Georgia Military College. She briefly lived in McDonough before settling back in her college town.
“Living here full time has been a different experience rather than when I was here for college,” Smith said. “My college experience was centered around working, so I didn’t get to have a college life here. Being back here and being more grown up has been great, I think the slower approach has made it that way.”
Smith was always interested in owning a business of her own. When there was an available spot in Milledgeville, she took the chance to open her first small business. Smith previously helped open the Milledgeville location of Shane’s Rib Shack and, because of that experience, she felt ready to start a business of her own.
“As soon as the lease was signed, it felt as if every step fell into place. It was a leap of faith that God had in his hands,” Smith said.
Morning Grind Coffee opened in October 2022, and has become a favorite amongst local residents and college students. Smith is grateful for the success of the Morning Grind. One of Smith’s goals was to have Morning Grind Coffee foster a sense of community and cherishes the friendships that have come out of the store.
“I knew from the start that I wanted customer service to be a priority. A coffee shop can be a place of community, and I think that starts with customer service. That is something that my staff is wonderful at,” Smith said.
She praised her baristas at Morning Grind and takes pride in having workers who share the same customer service-oriented mindset.
“My staff is a blessing and so is how much they care for the shop. Its amazing to see them take pride in their work and how they carry themselves. They’re like a family to me, and I love each and every one of them. I can’t imagine Morning Grind without them,” Smith said.
Outside of her work at Morning Grind, Smith enjoys the leisurely lifestyle of Milledgeville.
Whether it is playing pickleball, spending time with neighbors or going on walks. Smith looks forward to her future in Milledgeville, and all that it holds.
“I’m excited to see my business grow, and what life here will bring. As far as Morning Grind is concerned, my goal is to keep serving the people of Milledgeville in the right way,” Smith said.