Your weekly guide to the events and happenings in and around Boyertown, PA

What to do? Where to go? Here is your one stop list of community events, music, arts, food, business specials, and historic events for Boyertown and beyond…

As a Boyertown graduate, a real estate agent at Glocker Realty, and also a proud member of Building a Better Boyertown, I have had the joy of watching our little town grow. I enjoy having any part in helping our community to move forward. I hope this weekly blog will help shine a light on all the great things happening in and around Boyertown, PA

Here is what’s going down during the week of 10/1 – 10/7/2020

What’s Going Down at Grind Restaurant?

Last week I had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with Keith Kopicki, the owner of Grind Restaurant in Boyertown. I spoke with him about his journey into restaurant ownership. I have known Keith for some years. So, I have had the joy of watching him bring a dusty, old, abandoned building back to life, and I witnesed his dedication and drive That braught his dream of opening his own restaurant to fruition. When Grind opened, my family and I looked forward to the unique experience and sampling new menu items each time we visited. Everything seemed to be going great, with high demand for seating and excellent reviews, it looked like Grind was a hit! Then…on March 16, 2020…do I even have to say the rest? Oh, okay, the Covid-19 shutdown happened. With his business only open for a few months and still planning its official grand opening, I was concerned what this would mean for the future of Grind. Knowing Keith, and his never fail attitude, I knew he would do what was necessary to weather the storm. And that is exactly what he did. Once allowed to open for takeout, Keith and executive chef, Josh Pennington, adjusted their menu to be more “take-out friendly” and also offered family sized meals with a drive-up service or delivery option. When outside seating was allowed, he brought dining outdoors. When limited indoor seating was allowed, he did everything to make a safe and comfortable dining experience for his customers. Now, nearing the Grind’s first year anniversary, I got to reflect with Keith about his ups and downs over the past 10 months and what he hopes for the future of the business.

I guess I should start by telling you a little bit about the restaurant. Located at 45 S Reading Ave in Boyertown, the Grind Restaurant offers high quality, fresh, Mediterranean style dining. “Grind” refers to their signature, fresh ground, never frozen, gourmet meatballs. It is a relaxed dining environment with a rustic industrial interior design. There is a full bar that includes a selection of wines, spirits, craft beers and features a collection of 80 bourbons.

Keith purchased the building in 2018. He teamed up with Executive Chef, Josh Pennington, to put together a unique menu consisting of high-quality fresh foods. After extensive renovations, they opened the doors to the public in December of 2019. They started with a limited menu to ensure that the quality of food and service was not diminished.

“It’s not just about the food. You need a great product and you need to be able to serve it with good service.”

As the weeks went on, they expanded the menu a little at a time. Keith would visit table to table to make sure that everyone was enjoying their meal and experience. He believes that talking to the customers is the best way to improve the restaurant.

“There is always room for improvement.”

As the menu expanded so did the growing demand. Weekend waits and overflow seating became commonplace. The grind was only weeks away from the official grand opening when the pandemic shutdown occurred.

Now, as businesses are reopened and restrictions are loosening, he is noticing more and more return customers again. He contributes his staff and the support from the community for his success and keeping his business afloat through the pandemic. Keith and his staff have had to overcome a lot of hurdles over the past ten months, but they are looking forward to a long future with the people of Boyertown. He hopes, when you are looking for a good quality meal, with good people and surroundings, that you will think of Grind. Stop in for a dish or a drink and try it for yourself. Grind Restaurant Is open at 11AM, 7 days a week.

Please watch the full interview for more about the restaurant, a tour of the building, and some personal insight on Keith. Please support your local businesses.

DON’T FORGET! The Fall Frolic Scavanger Hunt starts today! Join in on the fun between October 1st to the 9th. This is a good way to support the businesses of Boyertown and an easy way to win a gift basket filled with too many goodies to list! For all of the info, go to https://www.facebook.com/GlockerRealtors. Good luck!

THE RAILROAD IS BACK! With Covid saftey measures in place, the Colebrookdale Railroad – The Secret Valley Line is back on track! Every weekend in October they will be running Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage excursions. Get your ticket and Get on board! You can find times & tickets at https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com