This is way more than
a coffee shop.
The Grounds started out as a dream friends happened to have… and with a little faith, a little favor, and follow-through to partner with Jesus, The Grounds Coffee Shop went from a dream to a reality.
Community and coffee, together on Franklin Street.
To create a space on Franklin Street where community and coffee come together. Where every person who walks in feels seen, valued, and at peace. We exist to be more than just a coffee shop: a place of belonging, connection, and encouragement.
Run the race of life well — together.
Through meaningful interactions, shared moments, and exceptional coffee, we aim to foster unity and empower people to run the race of life well — together.
We know The Grounds is a front door to a lot more going on at the PITCH, and we are confident that whoever walks in will feel welcomed and be met with a smile — and a great cup of coffee.
From a kitchen table to Franklin Street.
The Grounds started the way most good things do — at a kitchen table, over a cup of coffee, with a long conversation about what was missing. Chapel Hill had cafes. What it needed was a gathering place.
In 2026, we opened the doors with one rule: every person who walks in should leave a little warmer than they came.
Hi, I'm Allison.
I’m from Wake Forest, NC, and I’m currently a student at UNC Chapel Hill studying Data Science. Even though I love numbers and data, I love running the social media, coming up with new drinks, and being the creative visionary at The Grounds. I grew up playing soccer most of my life and always loved the team environment. So, creating a space where people could gather, feel loved and seen (even if it’s just when waiting for their coffee), and feel like they belong was so exciting to me. In the Fall of 2025, I had a really specific vision of a coffee shop come to mind. Fast forward to now, having this dream come to life has been so special to me, and it feels like such an honor to steward this space in the heart of Chapel Hill.
This shop is so special because it was gifted to Emily and I — not because we were searching for it or because we worked hard to buy it. While this seems so backwards, this story parallels the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is not something you can labor for or earn, it is simply a gift to be received. The same way that eternal life is gifted to us in Jesus, ownership of this coffee shop was gifted to Emily and I. What I love most about this shop is that we get to give away the love and life that we have been given in Jesus to everyone who walks in.
— Allison, Founder
Hi, I'm Emily.
I am the co-owner and co-founder of The Grounds! I’m currently a student at UNC Chapel Hill studying Business Administration, but my favorite part of college has been the people I’ve met and the communities I’ve gotten to be part of. I’ve always loved bringing people together, creating welcoming spaces, and making people feel like they belong — so starting a coffee shop felt like a pretty natural fit.
The Grounds started from a simple dream: to create a place where people can slow down, enjoy a really good cup of coffee, and genuinely feel at home. My faith is a huge part of who I am, and I wanted to create a space that reflects the love, joy, and hospitality that I’ve experienced through my relationship with Jesus.
Whether you’re a UNC student, a Chapel Hill local, just passing through, or someone who simply loves coffee, I hope you feel like you have a place here. I’m so grateful you’re a part of what we’re building at The Grounds, and I can’t wait to see you around the shop!
— Emily, Co-Founder
Every person who walks in should feel seen.
A great cup of coffee is the easy part. The hard, beautiful part is creating a place of belonging, connection, and encouragement right here on Franklin Street. That's the work. That's the point.
Belonging
A space where every person feels seen, valued, and at peace — a seat that's already yours.
Connection
Meaningful interactions and shared moments over quick transactions. Names learned, conversations finished.
Encouragement
Empowering people to run the race of life well — together. A front door to more at the PITCH.
The shop is for Chapel Hill.
We host open mics, study nights, founder breakfasts, community meetings, and an annual giving drive for local schools. Every quarter we donate a portion of proceeds to a Chapel Hill nonprofit chosen by our regulars.
In their words.
“I just had the most amazing Banana Bread and now the Honey Razz drink! What a cute fun coffee shop with super friendly staff. I bet my daughter will be here a ton!!!”
“I LOVE the grounds!! The staff are genuinely the best people ever and are patient, kind, and always smiling. The honey cinnamon latte is FIRE. Will definitely be coming back to study, yap with friends, or read.”
“The owners are the most kind and loving people! The atmosphere is so light and the coffee is SO yummy. A great coffee date spot, study spot, or even a stop on your walk. Definitely try this place out!”
“The grounds is the spot to be in Chapel Hill! Not only is the coffee good but the people make the experience a 11/10! Definitely recommend making this your go-to hang and study spot!”
