Philadelphia, PA - In a Philadelphia neighborhood with limited dining options, Olde Kensington/Norris Square just got itself a beautiful new spot for coffee, bubble tea, and pastries, as Co-owners Michelle Miller and Molly Kiriacoulacos recently opened The Ground Coffee, Plants & Gifts at The Gotham at 2000 N. 2nd Street Suite C-1, located at the corner of West Norris and N. 2nd Streets. The Gotham is a state-of-the-art residential rental development built-in 2020.
Michelle Miller and Molly Kiriacoulacos Open' The Ground Coffee, Plants & Gifts' in Olde Kensington
Miller also created DAPR Grooming Parlour, Thrive Pilates, and Yoga. Several resident projects are serial entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts who wanted to combine her passion for plants, crafts, and caffeine into this new business concept. The Ground, which seats roughly 20 people between indoor and outdoor seating, features many homegrown plants and gifts inside its 650 square foot space that Miller designed herself. The Ground focuses on inclusive pricing, with coffee at $1.50 and plants at $2.50.
Kiriacoulacos, who became friends with Miller years ago, is a former business consultant and self-proclaimed "plant mama." She understands the transformative properties of plants. "They are just magical and can dramatically transform the vibe of any location, indoors or outdoors," she said. "We want to bring the joy of house plants and greenery to everyone. We feel strongly about the important role in our quality of life. We are working to make them accessible to everyone in our neighborhood."
The Ground features drip coffee and artisanal coffee drinks, various teas from Harney & Sons, bubble tea and other beverages that feature inspiration from Miller's Korean lineage, and pastries (including beignets and croissants), Danishes, muffins, and more) from Au Fournil in Narberth, PA. Additionally, many of the plants in the cafe come from an expansive greenhouse that Miller built on her property in Mount Airy with the help of Kiriacoulacos. The two will continue this program with an inventory that features a mix of plants grown at home and others sourced from local nurseries. Additionally, the partners compost coffee grinds for their own needs and the neighborhood.
As for the interior, seafoam tiles and floral wallpaper stretch to the 18-foot ceilings. A rescued beam holds up a massive 1,000 lb. solid brass chandelier. The pair was found on Facebook Marketplace and rescued from a home in South Jersey. A white and gray quartz countertop holds fruit crates for merchandise. There's a live edge bar top with coffee beans and succulents locked into the epoxy that holds it together. The space can also be reserved for private events and options to book the courtyard or rooftop at The Gotham.
