With ‘bittersweet emotion,’ Beaufort business owner closing popular waterfront coffeehouse
The Common Ground Coffeehouse — a favorite waterfront hangout for locals and visitors alike — has announced that it’s closing its doors Friday.
Owner Ramona Fantini, who made the announcement in an Instgram post Sunday, said the decision was made with “bittersweet emotion.”
“I’m here to tell you on April 1 we will be closing our doors and turning the keys over to the next lucky people to occupy this space,” Fantini said.
Fantini became the “proud owner” of the popular coffeehouse at 102 West St. Extension on the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park eight years ago. It’s known for its small-town cozy feel.
“They will be missed and we are hoping someone else will take over,” Valerie Prochnow said on nextdoor. “We loved sitting outside on the patio in the morning.”
The coffeehouse features La Colombe coffee, fresh baked pasties and desserts, free wifi — and a beautiful view of the waterfront, all nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry.
When Fantini took over, the coffeehouse became part of the Pino Gelato family that started on Hilton Head in 2007. Fantini is chairman and CEO of Pino Gelato. Fantini said owning the business has been a “wonderful journey” that began with a mission of creating a unique experience for any customer who walked through the door.
“And I hope that I’ve accomplished that here in Beaufort,” Fantini said.
Common Ground Coffee House was established in 1998 by local restaurant entrepreneur Lantz Price, according to its website. It changed hands in 2000, again in 2013, and finally joining the Pino Gelato Corporation in 2014.
In 2006, Common Ground doubled its size, allowing a full kitchen to be added in order to have house prepared products readily available. In 2014 a remodel of the interior was completed resulting in more seating areas and the addition of gelato.
Read more about the new owners.
This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 10:17 AM.
