Growing up in Walton, Indiana, the Freeze was THE summer hot spot. Customers would pop in for a Freeze Buster after a Little League game, or maybe even a frozen Coke. Do not even get started on the vibes during the Fourth of July. When the Freeze announced its closing, the town of Walton was in utter shock. Many felt the pain of the doors closing for the last time. But, customers were given hope when word of a new business was brewing in our small town. Some were skeptical, while others were excited. How would they salvage what was left of the Freeze? Well, it took some blood, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of prayer.

     It feels like yesterday when the Freeze morphed into the Gathering Grounds. On February 21, 2025, the building once known as the Freeze was purchased by Sara and Derrick Hardy, and Jennifer and Ryan Preston. The new owners saw past the dust and damage and saw a comfy, cozy cafe that would become the Gathering Grounds. The idea of buying a building alone seems terrifying. When asked what her initial feeling was when she signed the papers for the Gathering Grounds, Jennifer Preston said, “My initial feeling when signing the papers to purchase the building was a mix of fear and excitement. The unknown was a scary feeling, but the ideas and potential for what it could be excited me.” All four of the owners are excellent examples of trusting in God. The idea of the Gathering grounds was not just one person’s idea. According to Jennifer Preston, the idea of the Gathering Grounds came after numerous meetings were originally set to plan a campaign. “God kept laying the idea on all four of our hearts, and the conversation kept leading to the possibilities of what this building could be. We all agreed coffee was a must, and we wanted to still honor the original Freeze with some of our menu items.” The Gathering Grounds did not happen overnight. It took time and determination.  

     The old Freeze building sat unoccupied for two years. So, imagine the state of the building after that much time. Everything from chairs and tables to machines and equipment was left behind.  One would like to believe that growing up, we all remembered the state of the building, but after speaking to  Ryan Preston, no one understood. When asked what the state of the building was when they bought it, and what was the biggest renovation, Ryan Preston, co-owner of the Gathering Grounds, responded, “When we bought the building, we found it to be in bad shape. The day after we bought it, we tore everything out so we could have a fresh start. We tore out all the cabinets, windows, three layers of flooring, and shelving.” Sometimes the best way to start a renovation is to go back to the beginning.

 After working at the Gathering Grounds since its grand opening, both Ryan Preston and Derrick Hardy explained the state of the flooring in the building, not only to me but to customers as well. According to Preston, the flooring was so bad that someone could fall right through it. The wood flooring in the kitchen was rotten from water damage. “We removed the rotten wood and replaced it with 9 inches of concrete. We repaired all of the concrete in the kitchen and had it polished.” Renovations to this degree are not easy whatsoever. The new owners put in much hard work and time to make the much-needed repairs. The Courier asked Derrick Hardy, co-owner,  what the biggest challenge they faced during renovations? “Trying to find the time with working full-time to get everything done that needed done.” It is important to note that the owners also have other jobs other than the Gathering Grounds. Ryan, for example, works on the Drug Task Force for Cass County while also running for sheriff. Derrick Hardy, one of the other co-owners, works full-time at Chrysler while also working on rental houses with his wife. The hard work and time that these owners put into this business, even after work, is truly inspiring. 

     With a new business venture comes many ups and downs. The Courier asked Ryan Preston about the biggest challenge that they have faced in year one of owning the building. Preston said, “The biggest challenge in the first year is attempting to find out what works and what does not. Jennifer and Sara have worked so hard to figure out how they can serve the public in the best way possible.” The goal for the Gathering Grounds is to serve the public in a loving and healthy way. The owners have worked very hard to put forth the best quality and healthy ingredients. 

     One year in a business is a big deal. An accomplishment like this one deserves some celebration. According to Jennifer Preston, “We plan to celebrate down in Indy with dinner and conversation as we reflect on the last year. The ups, the downs, the lessons learned, and the many blessings that have come from being obedient to God’s calling in our lives!” Make sure to visit the Gathering Grounds to show the owners some love. They have put everything into this business and given themselves to it. The least our community can do is to show them our appreciation and love.

     And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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. -Hebrews 10:24-25.