Gathering Grounds serving up comfortable atmosphere
By DAVID CLUCAS
Banner-Graphic Staff Writer
Constance Ferry
and Susan Thomas are creating a living room for Greencastle.
At least,
that's the atmosphere that the two local residents want to create at their new
Gathering Grounds cafe on the city square.
"We want it to be, just as
the name implies, a gathering for the community," co-owner Ferry said. Located
in the former J.C. Penny building at 2 N. Jackson St., Thomas and Ferry plan to
open the cafe on Friday, Oct. 19.
To emphasize the at-home feel, Ferry
and Thomas will offer customers homestyle cooked breads, soups, sandwiches,
coffees and teas. A majority of the food will be vegetarian and made with
organically grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Organic foods are grown
naturally without the use of growth chemicals or pesticides.
"We want to
produce really good food, so that it tastes good, but it is good for you too."
Ferry said.
Although, some organic foods are priced higher than normal
foods, Ferry said she is going to try to keep the prices low.
Many of
the organically grown herbs will come from her own Hobbit Gardens in Fillmore.
As Ferry goes through the menu, her partner Thomas darts across the cafe
fixing up some odds and ends. She talks to the electrician, guides where she
wants the new convection oven and then rips out some old carpet. The cafe is
coming together as fast and steady as the Thursday morning rain that falls
outside.
"It's fun putting something together," Thomas said as she
catches her breath for a moment. Working for restaurants in the past, Thomas
will bring both cooking and business experience to mix with Ferry's knowledge of
organic herbs and foods.
The fairly large cafe will hold tables and
chairs, a bar, a couch, benches, an upstairs area for meetings and a stage area
for possible music performances.
Just like an old home, everything will
be open. "You'll be able to look right into the kitchen," Ferry said.
A
children's area with books and toys will also be available available for parents
who wish to take time in the cafe.
"It will be a place where all ages
can get together ... kind of like a family," Ferry said.
The cafe will
be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
The owners said they are considering evening hours in the future. The
cafe's space will also be available for meetings and events during non-business
hours.
Ferry and Thomas said they will encourage artists to come and
play music, read poetry, or just talk about current issues.
"We don't
want this to be fast food," Ferry said. We want people to come in and stay for
awhile."