Greensburg — Dr. Michael Layne has dabbled in the coffee business since the late 1970’s.

A passion of his for more than three decades, the artistry of making the perfect cup of coffee has culminated in Layne trying his hand at various times and places in the java biz.

After successfully reopening his MDL Coffee and Tea Company last year, Layne recently acquired the rights to the name “The Fine Grind,” a franchise once located at Union Station in Indianapolis.

And with the new moniker in place amid a redecorated and newly-renovated building, Layne is hoping to attract new customers to his shop for a fresh “cup o’ joe.”

The coffee shop will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Monday, ready to serve customers essentially every flavor of coffee under the sun. Complemented by truffles, various types of fudge and freshly-baked cinnamon rolls, The Fine Grind will offer coffee that is roasted, ground and painstakingly prepared, all under one roof. In an eight hour day, Layne said, his shop will be able to produce up to 30 pounds of coffee, readily made to each customer’s particular taste.

The official name change from MDL came about when Layne purchased the rights to the franchise from a former Fine Grind employee. The recent deal included the nationally trademarked name as well as several perks.

Chief among these amenities are four coffee grinders and two roasters, but equally important is the ability for coffee-lovers to order their favorite blends on-demand. Dr. Layne mentioned that customers may call his shop in the morning, request the coffee of his or her choice, then pick it up later in the day. Layne also intends to offer packages of Fine Grind coffee via mail order and through his website, once it’s up and running.

The Fine Grind will also offer “Java Joe Boxes to Go,” boxes capable of holding two pots (or more) of coffee ready to be consumed on delivery. Layne mentioned his ready-to-go boxes have been used by members of Main Street Greensburg and the Greensburg-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce during past events.

Dr. Layne hopes to attract more customers to his shop in the near future, relying on not only the unique process with which the store’s coffees are prepared but also new aesthetics throughout the building.

A new window pane featuring the Fine Grind logo will soon be installed at the front of the shop. Visitors can also step into a small room near the entrance that hosts coffee memorabilia from the past. Additionally, the shop has received a facelift itself with new counter tops and cabinetry, an awning over the counter and a fresh paint job. All this is set to be in place upon the shop’s reopening or in the very near future. Customers can also bring their laptops, mobile devices or tablet computers to the Fine Grind for free wi-fi internet access, Layne said.

Loyal customers will be happy to know Layne’s special blend, called “Morning Star,” is also ready to make its return when the coffee shop gets back to regular business Monday.

And Dr. Layne is keenly aware of the heart of his business: customer service.

“It’s service, service, service,” said Layne Thursday. “We want to be here to serve the people.”

Layne mentioned “the science” of crafting the perfect coffee creation as one of the reasons he holds such a passion for his business. He also attributed his fortune in acquiring the new franchise name to a higher power.

A bishop in the Lutheran Orthodox Church, Layne described the acquisition process thusly: “There are some things the Lord just throws your direction.”

Heading in that same direction, Layne hopes, are his loyal MDL customers as well as fans of the Fine Grind franchise.

“The Greensburg customers have just been wonderful,” Layne said Thursday morning, adding that the Fine Grind name brings with it a loyal customer base all its own.

The coffee shop owner hopes to retain those customers by emphasizing customer service and taking step to ensure his shop is one of the Tree City’s “go-to” places for a quick java jolt. Helping matters in that regard is Layne’s choice not to charge patrons for each drop of flavoring. Standard coffees come with standard prices, no matter what tasty flavorings customers choose to drop in their morning brews.

“It’s just how we want to treat the public,” said Layne. “I enjoy working with people, helping people, and I think that translates well into the business world.”

The Fine Grind will be open for business from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The shop is also open from 8:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Fine Grind is located at 120 East Washington Street in Greensburg.



Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056