“I wanted to do something great that would affect people in a positive way. I wanted to have an impact on an entire community that would be unforgettable. Looking back, I believe that we did.”
-Cathy Mettenbrink Sickler
Founder of Barista’s Daily Grind, 2001
The Barista’s Story
Barista’s Daily Grind is not the result of overnight success or clever trends.
It is the result of people — showing up, learning a craft, caring deeply, and choosing community again and again.
Edgar and Jasmine McGinnis became owners of Barista’s Daily Grind in 2013 with a clear vision: to build a coffee company rooted in people, excellence, and intention. Coffee was never just the product — it was the medium. What mattered most was how it was made, who made it, and how it made people feel.
From the beginning of their ownership, Barista’s has operated with a deep respect for the craft of coffee and the humans behind it. Every drink is handcrafted. Every barista is trained, trusted, and empowered. Every guest interaction matters. There is room for pride here — but never ego.
Growth didn’t come without sacrifice.
In 2015, Barista’s expanded with a second location, followed by a third in 2023 — a former car wash reimagined into a one-of-a-kind drive-thru experience. Each step forward required creativity, resilience, and a willingness to do things differently in a city increasingly saturated by corporate coffee.
Kearney has endured floods, a global pandemic, and years of economic uncertainty. Barista’s endured too — not by cutting corners, but by doubling down on values: craftsmanship over convenience, relationships over transactions, and long-term integrity over short-term wins.
At its core, Barista’s is a training ground — for baristas, leaders, and humans. Team members here learn far more than how to make coffee. They learn responsibility, communication, accountability, hospitality, and pride in their work. Many have gone on to represent coffee at every level of the industry, from competition stages to judging panels to origin trips abroad. Others simply carry these lessons into whatever comes next — and that matters just as much.
We believe a coffee shop should be a third space — a place to gather, study, celebrate, grieve, connect, and be seen. We believe coffee should be shared. We believe service is sacred. And we believe businesses can — and should — be led with heart.
Barista’s Daily Grind has never tried to be everything to everyone.
But we have always tried to be excellent, honest, and human.
This is our community.
These are our people.
And this is the work we are proud to keep doing — one cup at a time.
“Our business is people. Our passion is greatness.
We are a friendly place serving you with excellence and appreciation!”
Awards
2004 SBA ‘Small Business’ Entrepreneurial Nebraska Champion
Upon review by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of Nebraska of our Business Financials, Business Plan, Methods of Operation, Business Growth, and Community Acceptance, our company was honored the SBA’s Small Business Entrepreneurial Small Business of the Year Award.
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2006
Finalist, United States Barista Champion
Third and Fifth Place, respectively, recognizes that Barista’s Daily Grind serves some of the most perfectly prepared coffee in the United States according to the SCAA. We try to compete annually in this elite competition.
2004 & 2006 Midwest Barista Champion2005 Placement, Third
This achievement recognizes that Barista’s Daily Grid, represented by our corporait trainer, Ryan Dennhardt, serves the most perfectly prepared coffee in the Midwest’s five-state region according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), the governing body of all Specialty Coffee in the United States of America.
Nominated for ‘Retail Business of the Year’ state of Nebraska
Invited to participate on the Entrepreneurial DVD for Tom Osborn’s Office.
Copies have been given to all of the high schools, colleges and University’s in Nebraska as a recruiting tool to keep young people in Nebraska after graduation.
Los Angeles Ultimate Barista Challenge
“Best of Brew”
“Espresso cocktails Champion”
“Latte Art Champion”
“Espresso Frappe Champion”
Miami Ultimate Barista Challenge
“Espresso Frappe Champion”
“Best Espresso Cocktails”
“Latte Art Champion”
“Espresso Frappe Champion”
UBC USA Challenger vs Ultimate’s Challengers New York, NY
“Best of Brew Champion”
“Espresso Frappe Champion”
Awarded for GOLD CUP STANDARDS by the Specialty Coffee Association of America
The Ultimate Barista Challenge USA
“Latte Art Champion”
Placed 3rd in the Midwest Barista competition in addition to winning the competition twice, to include 2006
Placed 5th and tied for 3rd in the United Barista competition
Invited to train and teach the craft of Barista as a representative of the United States in Bangkok Thailand
BGG won the best new short feature film at the First International world coffee festival
Edgar Cruz and April Edgren attended Barista Camp in Java New York
Opened our 2nd Kearney location at 1502 2nd Ave
James Royle and Zoe Ritz will attend Barista Camp in Athens Greece
BDG Takes an Origin Tour to Ethiopia & Kenya
Co-owner Jasmin McGinnis is the cover of the August/September Issue of Barista Magazine
BDG opens a third location flipping a car wash into a drive thru- coffee shop.
