Founded in 2022, Tarpon Springs coffee lounge Urban Grounds has built a following at 150 E Tarpon Ave, serving up “top notch coffee, fresh baked pastries, and classic sandwiches.” Last October, What Now reported on the opening of a sister cafe called Urban Roots (whose name has been updated to Refined Roots), which has since opened at 121 E Tarpon Ave and boasts 4.6 stars on Yelp.
Behind both concepts is restaurateur (or cafeteur? Is that a thing?) Annie Appenzeller.
“I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 12 years old, and I’ve probably been to a hundred different coffee shops all over the United States,” Appenzeller told Suncoast News shortly after the opening of Urban Grounds. “I’ve always wanted some day to run my own coffee shop.”
Today, Appenzeller has two, and now she appears to be at work on yet another new concept, this time in Palm Harbor. Paperwork submitted by Wild Hearts Hospitality (behind which, Annie Appenzeller) shows plans for a new restaurant called Aroma, opening at 1022 Georgia Avenue.
What Now reached out to Appenzeller on Monday to ask about plans for Aroma. Appenzeller was not immediately available for comment. This leaves us guessing about the timeline for opening and the menu, but stay tuned: What Now is awaiting more info by email.
In the meantime, you can keep up with Urban Grounds and Refined Roots by following @urbangroundscoffeelounge and @refinedroots.fl on Instagram.
