All photos by Brett Cardin Ousley
B Y C A R O LY N D R I N K A R D
Southern Grounds relocated to the downtown historic district of Thomasville and into the Champion House, a two-storied historic home listed on the National Registry. Built in 1896, this building features an eclectic array of modern and neoclassical architecture, with New Orleans-style balconies overlooking two city streets.Â
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n 2006, Henrique Aguiar came to America as an exchange student from Brazil. While here, he not only fell in love with this amazing country, but also with a beautiful young lady named Bailey Jordan. The two later married and started their lives together. While Henrique was attending college at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, he often visited a small coffee cafe. He loved the calm, relaxed atmosphere centered on family, friends and good coffee. He knew that he and Bailey could create their own unique space in Thomasville, which had no coffee culture. In 2017, the Aguiars opened Southern Grounds Coffee Shoppe in a storefront on Highway 43. With 42
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a trendy aesthetic, they soon attracted customers of all ages. A year later, they relocated to the downtown historic district of Thomasville and into the Champion House, a two-storied historic home listed on the National Registry. Built in 1896, this building features an eclectic array of modern and neoclassical architecture, with New Orleans-style balconies overlooking two city streets. For some, this backdrop seemed almost anachronistic for a contemporary coffee cafe, but when Bailey and Henrique added their personal touches, Southern Grounds became not only a very special place but also a popular destination site for locals and visitors.
