Why did the orthodontist open a coffee shop? This isn’t the beginning of a joke. It’s a question Mo Korayem gets asked often.
The owner/operator of Quest Braces (and self-proclaimed “coffee geek”) opened Ground Press Coffee & Books in October 2024 to blend the comfort of freshly brewed coffee with the excitement of a carefully curated and diverse book collection.
“The coffee experience for the customer in Airdrie was fairly limited, so I wanted to bring the precision and quality that is involved in orthodontics to the coffee world in our city,” he says.
Korayem opened Quest Braces in 2011 and moved the practice to its current location (the old Sierra Springs Boston Pizza building) in 2021. He used the restaurant portion of the business for the clinic. What was formerly the lounge is now home to Ground Press.
“I find that places that have books don’t have great coffee, and places that have great coffee don’t have books,” Korayem explains.
“To me, it seemed like a natural fit. It occurred to me that the only reason it doesn’t exist is that no one has done it, so I did it!”
Korayem says he hopes to provide coffee-brewing classes and coffee-cupping sessions, where guests can explore various brewing techniques and sample unique coffee varietals from around the world.
Ground Press partners with top local roasters, like Chronicle Coffee Roasters in Calgary, to bring the finest specialty coffee to Airdrie. Each cup is crafted to perfection, combining exceptional beans with expert brewing methods.
“Good coffee is hard to find, but you know when you’ve found it!” Korayem exclaims.
The shop includes baked goods from Butter Block & Co. bakery in Calgary and regularly sells out of the soup of the day made fresh by The Souper Lady.
However, Ground Press is about more than just tasty coffee and delicious treats. The shop also features products from local makers, craftspeople, artists and tinkerers looking to sell their handiwork.
“There’s no shortage of home-based talent in Airdrie!” says Korayem.
The shop’s shelves feature a curated selection of new and used books, from classic novels and modern masterpieces to indie gems. There is also a section dedicated to local authors.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds from the books by local authors and items crafted by local creators go back to the inspired minds who made them.
“Our regular events will include hosting book clubs, author readings, book signings and storytelling sessions for kids, creating a dynamic space where literature and conversation
Thrive,” Korayem summarizes.
“It’s Airdrie’s new community hub.”
