Main Ground Coffee has opened at 619 Main Street in Groveport, serving up handcrafted drinks in a space that blends nearly 60 years of family history with a bold new vision for community connection.
Main Ground Coffee is more than a name. It’s a statement of origin, intention and heart. Owner Avery Ward opened the shop in the building that once housed his family’s restaurant, Little Italy, for over 45 years. Even earlier, it was home to his grandfather’s grocery store, founded in 1966.
“These truly are our main grounds — our stomping grounds,” Ward said in a statement. “We wanted to breathe new life into this space while honoring its legacy. Now, instead of groceries or pizza, we serve connection and community through coffee.”
As CEO of Little Italy Ristorante, Ward spent the last decade revitalizing his family’s restaurant business in a new space at 480 Main Street, across the street from the original location. In 2023, the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance honored the family-owned eatery as the Best Restaurant in Central Ohio.
Now, Ward is pairing that culinary legacy with award-winning coffee from Columbus roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea to create a new destination rooted in excellence, history and hospitality.
Main Ground Coffee continues Ward’s mission to serve people with passion and purpose — now one cup at a time.
From classic drip brews to nuanced espresso-based creations, Main Ground offers a beverage menu that combines precision and creativity.
To bring his vision to life, Ward partnered with Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, a coffee roaster and business consultant with over 30 years of history in Columbus. Its 7 Steps to Success consulting program has helped more than 300 independent coffee shops open and grow in 37 states.
“Crimson Cup doesn’t just hand you a manual and wish you luck — they roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches with you,” Ward said. “From buildout to training and education, they’ve been hands-on and invested in our success.”
Ward found Step 5 of the program — Training Your Team to Brew and Serve Coffee — especially valuable. “You can have a beautiful space and great beans, but if your team can’t execute consistently, it falls apart. Training is everything.”
Ward’s advice to other entrepreneurs? “Treat it like a business from day one. Passion is great, but systems, leadership and financial discipline keep the doors open. Build a brand with purpose, hire for culture and get your numbers dialed in early.”
He also emphasizes the value of partnership. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help — you don’t have to go it alone.”
Main Ground Coffee is open daily at 619 Main Street in Groveport. To learn more, visit maingroundcoffee.com or follow @MainGroundCoffee on Instagram and Facebook.
