Residents get new choice for caffeinated creations
It's a Grind opening Simi Valley shop

It's A Grind coffeehouse has opened a new store in Simi Valley at 153 Cochran St. at the Plaza mall, bringing the same mixture of specialty drinks and pastries, atmosphere and community involvement as found in its store in Moorpark.

Bill Stack, owner of both It's A Grind stores in Simi Valley and Moorpark, said when he was looking for a coffeehouse franchise to open he wanted something different than what was currently offered in the community.

"I want an environment where people feel comfortable in staying, and we try to maintain that sense of comfort in everything we do, from the decor in the store to treating every customer who walks in with respect," Stack said.

Both stores feature a blues and jazz motif, with paintings on the wall of legendary blues, jazz and rock musicians, whose music often plays in the background.

Free wireless Internet access is available at both stores.

New to the Simi Valley store is live music on weekends, featuring local musicians playing acoustic and soft rock music.

It's A Grind regularly sponsors events in the community, such as back-to-school nights, open houses and sporting events, and is a sponsor to local athletic teams.

Stack was chosen as the Business Person of the Year in 2006 by the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce.

It's A Grind in Moorpark is at 888-F Los Angeles Ave. in the Moorpark Marketplace.