A Parisian-inspired, plant-adorned coffee shop just opened its doors in Rittenhouse this week, but it offers up way more than just plotted pals and pick-me-up libations.
The Ground comes from long-time friends and new business partners Michelle Miller and Molly Kiriacoulacos, and the duo set out to offer a spot that not only boasts trinkets and goodies for your home, but your next favorite bite or sip as well.
In total, the new space located at 120 S. 18th Street will boast bubble tea, coffee, espresso, pastries (like the “croffle,” aka a Belgian waffle merged with a French croissant), breakfast sandwiches, Korean-inspired eats, hundreds of houseplants (including rare and unique varieties), plus some gifts available for purchase.
This marks the second location for the brand, which also houses a venue in the Old Kensington neighborhood of the city, the release notes. This new space is double the size, with room for an even larger selection of curated food, drink and plant offerings, and what locals can expect here is an “urban oasis” with a refinished coffee and espresso bar, eclectic and comfy cafe seating, an interactive bubble booth, Parisian vibes and a hand-painted wall mural of the area.
“We are thrilled to bring The Ground to Rittenhouse Square. Five years ago I opened and built DAPR Grooming Parlour right across the street with my husband. I love this neighborhood and this block,” said Miller in a statement. “It represents the true hustle and bustle of Center City, and has an amazing electric energy. We feel our little concept can bring not only a lot of happiness to residents and visitors, but it can bring a nice balance to the area. We are honored to have the opportunity to create a space that is cozy and warm — and will offer joy that only hundreds of living plants can bring.”
Each menu item is meant to be whimsical on top of packing a ton of flavor. As the brand notes, each element of their café has been thoughtfully designed to foster a warm atmosphere while boasting meticulously sourced goods from local artisans.
“Opening in Rittenhouse Square feels like the perfect match for our second shop. I’m excited to bring our unique concept to such an iconic part of Philadelphia and I’m looking forward to The Ground becoming a part of the neighborhood’s daily rhythm,” added Kiriacoulacos in a statement.
“We’ve been looking to expand to a second location for awhile and it’s a dream come true to find a space that feels like it suits our vibe so perfectly. I can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces to our little jungle oasis on the square.”
The Ground’s coffee program utilizes locally sourced beans (including their new House roast “The Botanist,” which they’re launching in conjunction with the second location), and the menu will feature drip and artisanal coffee drinks, various teas, bubble tea and other sips inspired from Miller’s Korean lineage. And pastries (including beignets, croissants, Danishes, muffins, and more) will come from Au Fournil in Narberth, Pennsylvania, the release notes.
The bubble tea aspect of this location is inspired from Thailand, and in total, will feature more than two dozen offerings.
“We will also be mixing in some of our favorite and unique specials, like our Dr. Diaz, a Dulce de Leche bubble tea made with fresh cinnamon and whole milk, or the Kimberly which is a Korean yogurt inspired base flavor (think pink berry) with a strawberry preserve,” added Miller.
Food-wise, The Ground will offer made-to-order breakfast and lunch items with a mix of sweet and savory bites. Highlights span the Croffle (a French Croissant cooked as a Belgian Waffle, topped with whipped cream and your choice of syrup, pressed to order, and served hot), chia pudding, a selection of danishes, and some sandwiches.
The latter currently spans the “Oh Daddy” Sandwich (two turkey sausage patties, topped with arugula, strawberry gochujang sauce and American cheese on a croissant, served hot with the option to add a Korean egg to make it a “Mega Daddy”) and the “Oh Mommy” Umami Sandwich (a Korean style egg topped with melted cheese, fresh tomato, and Japanese yuzu aioli, on a French croissant, served hot.)
Plant-wise, the venue curates a collection of eco-friendly plants available for purchase—from petite succulents and trailing vines to statement-making fiddle leaf figs and monsteras.
“Our thumbs have gotten a whole lot greener since opening this shop,” Kiriacoulacous noted. “But yes, we’ve always loved plants.”
Lastly, The Ground’s curated selection of unique gifts span artisanal candles and handmade ceramics, planters, botanical prints and more. And as a release notes, the brand is committed to sustainability every step of the way. That means sourcing locally grown plants to offering compostable coffee packaging and eco-friendly gift wrapping options among other green options.
“By choosing to shop with us, you’re not only supporting local growers and artisans but also joining us in our mission to create a greener, more sustainable world,” finished Kiriacoulacous.
Philadelphian’s can check the venue’s official site at thegroundcpg.com
