In the winter of 2013, dual credit accounting students finished their studies for that class

much earlier than expected, two of then looking forward to opening a business of their own one

day. With plenty of time to spare, they asked instructor Tina Fultz what they could possibly do.

“I want you guys to make a business plan,” said Fultz.

How does quality food such as Olive Garden or Panda express around school sound to

you? Students thought of implementing new and improved meals, and make them available

to students. Federal laws unfortunately made such a project obsolete. The idea for a smoothie

franchise came to thought, but according to law smoothies in schools can only be sold if they are

made with 100% fruit, no extra sugar. One morning a student brought in a coffee and donuts for

the entire class, with no intention at all, the idea for the coffee shop was born. Business plans for

the shop at Ray-Pec were similarly modeled after another school not so far from home.

“We got the idea from Joplin, after the tornado students opened up a coffee shop to raise

money to pay for the damages. Our shop is based on their plan; they were successful so we hope

to be successful too.” said senior Sean-Luke Clark.

The biggest question at the time was if the shop was even a possibility. Students had to

run the idea through administrators in hopes that someone would be willing to listen. 2014 Ray-
Pec graduates Kizzy Camacho, Ty DiiBon, Cory Dye, Johnathon Odum and Daichi Tadoko

continued developing their business and were told that is was a good plan, but there was simply

not enough space for it in the school.

Administrator Kristina Martin informed Fultz that there was still an available concession

stand in the south building that could be utilized. Formerly used by the theatre and social studies

departments, the stand was up for grabs.

Now that accounting students had a place, a plan, and a goal of making their desired

coffee shop a reality, it was time to present it to the school board, community members and local

businesses in order to gain support and approval.

When presenting, 2014 graduate Daichi Tadokoro said “It’s for kids like me who have

never had a real job. Kids like me get a chance to handle management and get a Food Handler’s

Permit before I go to college.”

Their business plan began to convince community leaders that this was a legitimate goal

for students, and the idea began to spread around the district. Accounting students began their

plan with only thirty dollars.

“Over the summer, students really worked hard to figure everything out for the coffee

shop. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be.” said Fultz.

A cappuccino machine alone costs $1,200. Businesses like Commerce Bank, Noe’s

Jewelry and Fooxwood Springs all made donations to help pay for necessary items such as three

compartment sinks ($600) and health inspections ($200). Not only businesses, but other Ray-Pec

students and staff have made The Daily Grind move forward. The Interior design class painted

the shop’s walls, Matt Copeland painted its cabinets, Steven Hatfield made a cut-out logo out

of sheet metal accounting students can write on and post information about the shop, and Tina

Fultz has stood next to her students every step of the way in order to make sure The Daily Grind

become a reality.

“My husband told me ‘Tina, do you realize we’re going to have to wake up at 4:30 to be

there at 6:15? And you are not a morning person!’ And I said yeah! We are doing what is best for

kids.” said Fultz.

Before the grand opening, this year’s dual credit accounting students had to earn their

Food Handlers Permit in order to participate in the shop, supplies and products had to be brought

in and prepared for the big day. Participants will be earning one hour of community service,

since they will be working before regular school hours. The shop will be open every day starting

September 15th

just $1.00 and $2.00, but soon students and staff will be given the opportunity to purchase

products with their debit cards through the use of an app called “The Square”, something never

before seen through the halls of Ray-Pec.

“We want to sell to a variety of people and get our name out there. We want people

to know instead of going to Casey’s you can come here, so we’re making it convenient.” said

Clark.

“I am really excited!” said Fultz.

Products like coffee, tea, apple cider, gum and different cappuccino flavor will be sold,

and all proceeds will go to FBLA, The Daily Grind is located in the south building, right across

the hall from the band room and is expected to be a huge success.

at 6:30 in the morning, and in between morning passing periods. Prices start at