In 2008, my late husband, Jeff Phillips, had a vision. He wanted to create a space where people could share ideas, create and practice art, be productive, play games, cultivate friendships, and build a home where all were welcome.

As a former cross-country truck driver, some of Jeff’s favorite spots along his travels were coffee shops, and he knew that his idea for a coffeehouse was the perfect spot to bring people together.  He also believed that Downtown Alexandria was the place to make it all happen.  At the time, the downtown area was sparse, offering nearly nothing in the way of places for people to go, and although many naysayers told him, “Don’t do it!”, his love for people and coffee could not be squashed.

In 2010, Jeff’s vision became Tamp & Grind Coffee. Over the years, the shop has become a destination spot for locals and travelers alike–offering all that Jeff had in mind. It’s more than a coffee shop. It’s a place where people are happy, and that happiness continues on today as I work to carry out his legacy.

Jeff once told me, “Coffee and coffee shops are magic,” and as we celebrate ten years of Tamp and Grind, I know it to be true. - Amanda