It is out with the old and in with the new here in Walton. Excitement is brewing as fellow citizens await the grand opening of The Gathering Grounds. This charming new establishment is excited to create a space that offers a morning pick-me-up and a sweet treat. Located right off the highway, in our cozy little town, the establishment is delighted to bring delicious diversity to the culinary scene in Walton. Here is everything you need to know before the grand opening.
Replacing the beloved Walton Freeze, The Gathering Grounds has some huge shoes to fill. The Gather Grounds plans to offer different food items. The most important one they will offer is their ice cream. But with the copious amounts of seasonal ice cream joints all over the county, we are left with the question of “What will make this shop worthwhile?” I spoke with co-owner Jennifer Preston to discover just how they are going to accomplish this. Preston, along with her co-owners, is taking the more domestic approach. With it being their first target of this rigorous task, we are sure to expect greatness. Preston said, “We are excited to introduce a delicious ice cream that is made right here in Indiana. JB’s Barnyard is the name of the family-owned farm that we will be getting our hand dipped ice cream from! We love that we are supporting another small, family-owned business and what really sets them apart is their goal to make their ice-cream with real ingredients, fewer dyes, and no fructose corn syrups! Those things alone are really important to our families, we want to bring healthier options to our community, but not sacrifice on taste and quality!” It is clear that this business is not only working to make their company better, but those surrounding them too.
It may be in the same location, but what they are offering could not be more different. The main thing that makes this company different from the others in Walton is its offering of coffee. As a student, teenager, and coffee connoisseur myself, I could not be more excited for this place to open. But the responsibility of brewing someone’s morning coffee is not one to be taken lightly. Jennifer said “Coffee is probably the trickiest component of what we will be doing, that being said, we are still sampling different coffees weekly, meeting with other local coffee shop owners and trying to find the best coffee while still aiming to keep that locally sourced as well!! Partnering with other small and local businesses is super important to our families!” Once again proving their devotion to those around them. On top of that, how can others get their favorite specialty coffees like lattes, frappes or their specific flavors that they know and love? Well, Preston says they plan to offer specialty drinks along with fun seasonal drinks. So, not only do they fill the shoes of the ones before them, they also bring in a new style that I think will be executed to perfection.
After the establishment has been sitting for nearly two years, patrons are left wondering why these families decided to give it a shot. Owners, Jennifer and Ryan Preston, and Derrick and Sara Hardy could not have provided a more sincere answer. The reason why and everything that went into purchasing this nostalgic joint can be summed up in this quote from Jennifer Preston. “Our decision to purchase The Freeze came after much prayer and seeking the Lord and really feeling called to opening this up and having a place for our community to gather and share a favorite drink or meal. Being a safe place for kids and teens to come after school, work on homework, fellowship with friends, gather for Bible Studies, and feel a sense of home. God truly opened the doors and we felt like we had no choice but to be obedient to what he was asking us to do! So, we jumped in, full faith, and the positive response and excitement has been more than we could ever ask for!” We are excited to see where their journey leads them.
We know what it will taste like, but how is it going to look? What can we expect to see at this establishment and how are we going to enjoy our delights? Well, Jennifer said it perfectly in her quote. “Our whole goal and vision with The Gathering Grounds is really to encourage families, friends and the community to not neglect the opportunities to gather together and fellowship. There is something so special about face to face interaction and communication. Our society has really gotten away from being social and gathering together. People nowadays, (especially since Covid), get on an app, order food, have a stranger pick it up, and drop it on their doorstep. We want to get back to the days of meeting together and sharing a meal, sharing a good story, seeing people’s smiling faces, and being able to encourage one another!” So not only do they want you to indulge in your cuisine, but also the people you are consuming it with. Preston also said this was all inspired by a Bible verse Hebrews 10:24-25. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Whether you are religious or not, I think it is nice to know that we get to welcome a small business with true purpose and passion behind it.
Being one of a few businesses in a small town, it is the perfect opportunity for local students looking for work. Kids across the county are already wondering if they could soon craft some lattes or scoop someone’s sundae. The answer is yes, as long as they prove themselves worthy. Preston says they will absolutely hire local students “as long as they can prove to be hardworking, trustworthy, with positive attitudes!!” Just like any other business would expect from their employees. The company actually plans to start the hiring process within the next few weeks. With all of this to know, it leaves us with one question, “When can I check out this spot?” Well, they are excited to announce that The Gathering Grounds will be open year round starting this May! That’s right, you can pick up your favorite ice cream any time of the year and grab a coffee while you are at it.
As The Gathering Grounds gears up to open, the anticipation among community members is immeasurable. This unique establishment will not only offer tasty treats but also a place where you can bond over them. If I learned one thing from writing this article, it is apparent that The Gathering Grounds will be more than just a business. It could soon be referred to as someone’s favorite coffee shop, their local ice cream shop, or their safe space. The town of Walton is ecstatic to welcome not only this business but their mission as well with open arms.
