Southern Grounds Coffee Shoppe

BY CAROLYN DRINKARD

In 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 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.

(L to R) Henrique and Bailey Aguiar opened Southern Grounds in 2017, hoping to create a coffee culture that promoted family and friends. A year later, they relocated to the downtown historic district of Thomasville.

Visitors who enter Southern Grounds are greeted with K-Love music and warm smiles. “We welcome the Lord here,” Bailey explained. “And people feel that! We love talking to everyone and getting to know them. It’s a good feeling when people are happy.”

Bailey has creatively redesigned the interior, pairing her love of Southern culture with touches of nostalgia and whimsy. “I guess I’m just an old soul,” she laughed. “I really wanted to keep it classy and Southern!”

And she has done just that! The home is divided into several downstairs rooms, each with its own ambience and charm. Named the Azalea Room, Magnolia Room, Sweet Spot, the Nook and the Charbella Boutique, each area’s decor reflects the couple’s love of antiques. From paintings on the walls to fresh flowers on each table, Bailey’s touches are evident throughout.

The warm, welcoming atmosphere of Southern Grounds sets the stage for a Southern cuisine, punctuated by Brazilian zest and zing. Before opening, Bailey spent three months creating her artisanal paninis, adding ingredients and flavors not normally found in this rural area. At first, the Aguiars offered only five sandwiches, but after moving into their current location, they doubled their menu, even adding weekly specials. They also serve a variety of homemade soups to go along with the paninis.

On a campaign stop in Thomasville, Alabama Senator Richard Shelby visited with Bailey and Henrique Aguiar at Southern Grounds.

Southern Grounds offers a wide array of popular coffees, which are roasted in house. Bailey’s Southern names, coupled with Brazilian aromas, are sure to appeal to even the pickiest of tastes.

Their breakfast menu includes a variety of paninis, omelets and waffles. Whatever the craving may be, there is something to satisfy any taste, and it’s all served with the best coffee in town! Guests can dine indoors, outside on a spacious deck or at picnic tables among the magnificent old oaks.

Bailey Aguiar is a fantastic baker. Her daily pastries are popular, not only as sweet treats with coffee but also as desserts. She bakes all the goodies, using time-honored family recipes, many from Brazil. Her devil’s food cake, which she calls “Matilda,” has become her signature delight, with customers ordering the cakes for special events.

At Southern Grounds, visitors gather to sip coffee, espressos, lattes and teas from a selection of 30 different beverages, including six frappes and five specialty drinks, mixed three different ways. One of their new creations is a healthy, specialty detox, called “My Skinny Do,” made with green tea, ginger, pineapple and spinach. It was patterned after a Brazilian recipe from Henrique’s mother.

Southern Grounds now roasts its coffees inhouse. A few of their popular favorites include “Just a Swingin,” a Brazilian medium roast; “Over Yonder,” a Colombian dark roast; “Southern Roots,” an Ethiopian dark roast; and “Southern Blend,” a Colombian and Brazilian blend.

For those looking for healthier fare, Southern Grounds serves salads that can be topped with meats of choice. Bailey’s specialty chicken salad is in a category by itself. Using her own recipe, Bailey stirs up chicken salad in five distinctive flavors: “Classic,” “Gussied Up,” “Poppy Seed,” “Wickler” and “Kickin’ Chicken.” All are customer favorites.

The inside of the Champion House is beautiful, but Bailey added her personal “Southern” touches to make it even more incredible. The door in the center leads to an outside seating area on the deck.

Southern Grounds is known for its flavorful barbecue, cooked on site by Henrique, who has his own recipes for the smoky, flavorful rubs and spices he uses. They also sell barbecue by the pound and prepare butts for special orders.

Recently, Bailey and Henrique opened an upstairs room called “The Happy Place.” Here, customers can host community-painting parties for ages 12 and up. Guests can paint a wide array of round door hangers with traceable templates as easy guidelines. The hours are flexible with after-hours or weekday parties being available. This popular spot holds the same friendliness and charm as the other areas.

Southern Grounds does attract the occasional laptop and headphone, but casual dining and friendly conversations are the norm. Meals here become a social experience with a warm community atmosphere. Popular with loyal locals, Southern Grounds also attracts many out-of-town guests, especially millennials who have heard about this place on social media and stopped by, seeking something different. Large groups reserve the areas, and private parties are quite common.

The talented Aguiar family members are part of the social fabric of their community. Bailey and Henrique have two children, Thomas (12) and Charlotte (6). All are active in this area’s thriving arts community, especially Thomasville’s Rambling Rose Players. Thomas is an accomplished vocalist, who performs at many different functions in the area. At five, Charlotte started her own cooking videos on YouTube, with the help of her grandmother, Donna Jordan.

Southern Grounds offers not only coffee but also character! Harkening back to a simpler time, when life was slower and less stressful, Southern Grounds offers good food, good conversations and good vibes.

“We want this to be your home away from home,” Bailey explained. “When you are here, you are family. That’s what life is all about: family, friends and good coffee!”

The talented Aguiar family is active in Thomasville’s arts community, especially the Rambling Rose Players. (L to R) Henrique, Bailey, Thomas and Charlotte (back).

Bailey Aguiar is known for her delicious pastries. Using time-honored family recipes, many from Brazil, she creates sweets that delight the palate.

In addition to all of its regular drink and food offerings, Southern Grounds also offers a wide assortment of branded merchandise.