Remember when the Gathering Grounds had their grand opening at the beginning of the summer? I do, and I have been working almost every day since. The Gathering Grounds had their grand opening on May 24, 2025, and have been busy ever since. From people rushing to be the first in line to people lined up out to the sidewalk, the Gathering Grounds have welcomed, new staple in our very own community. Being an employee myself, I often get asked what a day at the Gathering Grounds looks like. Well, I am here to give you the inside scoop.
No two days at the Gathering Grounds look the same. Co-owner Sara Hardy was asked what her day at the Gathering Grounds looks like, and she said, “A typical day starts way before we open. I am normally running errands for supplies and running to the bank before we open. I also have a family to manage and get them to where they need to be. Then, I get to the shop around ten o’clock and help open and make sure we are set up for success for the day. Then I jump in and help where it’s needed. I also try to talk to customers and make sure they enjoyed what they got. When I have downtime, I try to do inventory, clean, and work on upcoming ideas for drinks and food.” Owning a business seems like a really good idea, but it does come with its downs. When asked what is one thing she wished she knew before the grand opening? Hardy said, “How much time this would take away from my family and how much it would change the dynamics of my family.” Family is a very important part of everyone’s life, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices. Sometimes those sacrifices mean hiring your own children.
Lewis Cass class of 2023 grad, Kyah Preston, manages the Gathering Grounds and can often be found behind the counter, scooping ice cream. When asked what a typical day looks like in the ice-cream department, Kyah said, “A typical day in the ice-cream department is super fun and busy! We usually get a big ice cream rush in the evenings around six, and it is super fun to create sundaes and shakes for people to enjoy and put a smile on their faces. We offer a lot of different options, and it has been fun making new creations as well.” Working at the Gathering Grounds makes you realize that anyone, even your co-workers, can feel like family, especially when you spend your whole summer with them.
This was the first of many summers for the Gathering Grounds, and boy, was it busy. While being a business owner can be fun, it can also be very overwhelming. Taking care of her four girls and helping with her husband’s campaign, co-owner Jennifer Preston still found time for the Gathering Grounds. When asked how she can juggle all of these things, Preston replied, “To be completely honest, it’s a lot and can feel very overwhelming at times. We knew going into opening a business and starting a campaign would come with sacrifices and time away from our normal routines. So we just take it a day and a prayer at a time. We do our best to prioritize our family time and lean on the help provided by our team, and our many friends, family, and supporters!” Jennifer’s ability to multitask and her dedication to everything that she does are truly inspiring.
The Gathering Grounds have been open for two months now, and they are improving every day. Whether it’s learning a new way to make coffee or coming up with fun new menu items, Jennifer Preston is always looking for new ways to do things. When asked how the Gathering Grounds is doing, Preston replied, “Just like with any business, it has its ups and its downs. We have only been open for a little over two months. We are still learning and figuring out what works and what doesn’t. It’s challenging but definitely comes with many blessings. We were given the opportunity to give something to our community that we feel was needed, and even though it’s hard at times, we are reminded that God is faithful. He is walking through every step with us. The community has been very supportive, and we know over time this little business will grow, and we will see the fruits of our hard work and the sacrifices we have made.” If you want to see what a day in the life looks like at the Gathering Grounds, come see us and get some ice cream, coffee, or a snack! Our hours are Monday – Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM. We cannot wait to see you there!
