Fast-growing coffee company Southern Grounds has recently announced a new location for a chef-driven coffee house concept in St. Augustine, located at 124 King St.
Owner Mark Janasik recently announced at the beginning of the month that the company is opening a new location in a century-old building at the intersection of Riberia Street, anchored by Gringos Tacos, One Twenty Three Burger House, and First United Methodist Church, according to the Florida Times-Union. The expansion comes on the heels of Southern Grounds opening a new location in the Jacksonville International Airport. This will be the fifth location for the company. There is no exact opening date yet.
Janasik and his partner initially hoped to open a new, full-service restaurant concept, Alder & Oak, featuring wood-fired cooking in the former home of Corazon Cinema & Cafe, but missed the opportunity after The French Pantry and Little Miss Ha acquired the space. Now the company will serve its signature coffee and espresso drinks in a beautiful historic building. Customers can also expect several breakfast options, such as omelets, pancakes, and more, as well as a few lunch/ dinner options, including burgers, sandwiches, Shrimp & Grits, Korean Steak Bowl, tacos, and more. All ingredients will be sourced from local purveyors whenever possible.
“We finally got approved to build a Southern Grounds coffee shop in this beautiful building circa 1917….. in St. Augustine,” Janasik said on his Facebook at the beginning of the month. “The Catholic Church purchased it in the early 30s and added the large addition to the west in 1935. The Catholic Church owned it up until 2019, until it was purchased. We love St. Augustine, and we are so proud to restore this amazing building and bring energy back to the king street corridor. Thank you to all those who have supported us.”
