Common Grounds: 10 Years of Grounding Our Community

Common Grounds: 10 Years of Grounding Our Community

By Carina Elgin

In the ten years since Duane and Cyndi Ellis and their son, Christian, opened the doors of Middleburg Common Grounds, their popular coffee shop has become the town’s epicenter.

Located directly across the street from the post office, Common Grounds is now the place “where you always meet someone you know,” having taken over the morning meeting void left by the closing of the iconic Coach Stop restaurant.

The coffee is delicious, the pastries plentiful, and the creative soups, salads and sandwiches always hit the spot. The baristas can whip up a full array of trendy beverages, but there’s beer and wine also at the ready.

The works of local artists are featured on the walls, and there are seats for every occasion: practical tables to reconfigure for any size group, high top stools and two comfy chairs. The outside seating, with lovely seasonal plantings, provides a great view of who’s around in town, and four smaller tables on the porch have a devoted following.

Any weekday morning, the occasional business suit mingles in the line with those in their horsey duds, as well as gals in tennis skirts or yoga pants. Middleburg Police Lieutenant Shaun Jones makes Common Grounds his first morning stop each day. He’s often involved in friendly bantering as he “grabs some tea and hears from the locals what’s going on in town.” On the weekend, its’ a tourist destination.

Jonathan Catherwood was Common Grounds’ very first customer. A self-proclaimed coffee-aholic, he eagerly awaited the opening back in 2012, stopping by each day to check on progress, until one day, finally, there was an “Open” sign. C a t h e r w o o d readily admits he’s gone there two or three times a day ever since.

Jonathan Catherwood was first in line when Common Grounds opened ten years ago.

Photo by Carina Elgin

Originally from London, Catherwood said, “I’ve traveled all over for business, and I really believe Common Grounds’ espresso is the best in the United States.”

He attributed the quality of the product to Christian Ellis’ artisanship as a barista. “Christian will not let his standards down, and it really shows,” he said. While Catherwood had high praise for the double espresso, he was also effusive about valuing the generosity and kindness the Ellis family shows their customers and the community.

Suzanne Obetz, executive director of The Middleburg Museum, often has business chats at the shop.

“I love it here,” she said. “It’s where I come to schmooze. I love how community focused the Ellis’ are, always donating to events. I also love running into so many people I know.”

Caroline Elgin and her service dog, Shelly, are regulars. welcomed with open arms, smiles and the only wheelchair ramp in town. A graphic artist, the coffee mugs specially designed for the shop are still best sellers, and she values how supportive the Ellis’ are of her.

Kaylee Bauerle, who works at The Play Room toy store a few doors down from Common Grounds, said “Common Grounds has quickly become my favorite spot, thanks to the very welcoming environment the owners and employees provide. It’s definitely a staple in this beautiful town and made me fall in love with Middleburg even more.”

Christian Ellis said he’s simply grateful for longtime customers who keep coming back, or new ones who have just discovered the shop.

“The support of the community makes all the hard work worthwhile,” he said. “And that’s helped us fulfill a desire to make a difference in our community.”