Located in the heart of downtown Oshawa, Gray & Co. Coffee Shop is a cozy, welcoming spot for anyone looking for premium coffee, lattes, iced drinks, and delicious homemade bakery treats. Their menu features a mouthwatering selection of pastries, including scones, mini pies, and Biscoff cookies, making it the perfect place for a quick break or a catch-up with friends. But it’s not just about coffee and pastries! Gray & Co. also offers a charming boutique selection with over 60 unique products, including kids’ toys, candles, puzzles, jams, and spices. Plus, their patio is the ideal spot to enjoy your coffee, and they even have a FREE Little Library where you can grab a book. If you’re in the mood for something special, you can book their popular High Tea experience right on their website.

What Inspired the Business: The story behind Gray & Co. is as heartfelt as the coffee is delicious. Mary worked in the corporate world for many years, deeply focused on education and career. But after the tragic passing of her firstborn son, Grayson, her priorities shifted, and she found a new path in life. Grayson’s memory lives on through the coffee shop’s name, and the business became a way for her to embrace her entrepreneurial spirit and build something meaningful.

Challenges and BACD Support: Running a business can get messy, especially when it comes to keeping track of finances and inventory. That’s where the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) came in. They helped Mary take a close look at her business, set clear goals, and get organized. One of the most valuable takeaways was goal setting—writing down future plans for the business and getting a better understanding of where it stands today. The financial spreadsheets, although eye-opening, were a big step in getting everything on track.

The Impact: Since working with BACD, there’s now a clearer financial picture and a stronger motivation to reach future goals. This process also sparked new marketing ideas and customer retention strategies, helping the business grow and stay competitive in Oshawa’s bustling downtown.

Business Growth: Gray & Co. Coffee Shop has grown in both size and vision. With two employees now on board, the shop has expanded its offerings to include not only great coffee and pastries but also a boutique shopping experience. The addition of murals, signage, and a welcoming patio has helped shape the shop into a true destination in downtown Oshawa.

Successful Marketing Strategies: Gray & Co. takes pride in supporting the local community, and hosting free, family-friendly events has been a huge part of their marketing success. The shop regularly holds fun events for kids, which helps get people through the door while creating a sense of community. On top of that, they offer loyalty cards for free coffees, post daily on social media, and send out email campaigns. Social media, in particular, has been a big focus, with multiple posts a day, giveaways, raffles, and event promotions helping to keep the shop top-of-mind for customers.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Mary’s advice for anyone looking to start their own business is simple: don’t give up. Running a business can be challenging, and it’s important to be your own biggest supporter. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adapt, seek help, and make changes—but whatever you do, don’t throw in the towel.

Final Thoughts: Gray & Co. Coffee Shop has grown into much more than just a place to grab a coffee. It’s a warm, community-focused spot where you can enjoy a great drink, indulge in delicious pastries, and shop for unique gifts. Thanks to the support of BACD and the owner’s perseverance, Gray & Co. continues to thrive and evolve, bringing something special to downtown Oshawa.