Main Ground Coffee Brews Success in Groveport, Ohio with Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps to Success Program
May 13 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Nestled at 619 Main Street in Groveport, Ohio, Main Ground Coffee is more than a café—it’s a revival of legacy, a testament to entrepreneurial vision, and a celebration of community. Owner Avery Ward, a third-generation steward of the historic space, has transformed his family’s former restaurant and grocery store into a vibrant coffee destination. Partnering with Columbus-based Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, Ward leverages their acclaimed “7 Steps to Success program” to fuel his mission of blending heritage with innovation.
The building, once home to Ward’s family restaurant, Little Italy, and his grandfather’s 1966 grocery store, now hums with the aroma of specialty coffee. “These are our main grounds—a place of memories and new beginnings,” Ward reflects. His culinary expertise, honed through revitalizing Little Italy (named 2023’s Best Restaurant in Central Ohio), now merges with Crimson Cup’s award-winning beans to craft a space where history meets modern hospitality.
Central to Main Ground’s swift acclaim is Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps to Success, a holistic program empowering entrepreneurs to launch thriving coffee shops. For Ward, the program provided the framework to turn vision into reality.
“The 7 Steps program was invaluable,” Ward shares. “It’s not just about opening a shop—it’s about building a sustainable business rooted in excellence. Crimson Cup’s mentorship let me honor my family’s legacy while embracing innovation.”
Main Ground’s success underscores Crimson Cup’s industry leadership. Since 1991, the roaster has empowered over 700 independent cafés globally through its “Friend2Farmer” sustainability initiatives and the 7 Steps program. By prioritizing ethical sourcing and entrepreneurial education, Crimson Cup ensures each partner—from Ohio to Bangladesh—thrives.
Guests at Main Ground savor this commitment. Reviews rave about “smooth, flavorful coffee” and a “nostalgic yet fresh vibe,” with many praising Ward’s seamless blend of past and present. The café’s rapid rise—a chorus of five-star accolades—stands as a testament to Crimson Cup’s proven model.
For Ward, Main Ground is the culmination of heritage and heart. “We’re here to serve connection, one cup at a time,” he says. Through Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps, he’s brewed a space where history, quality, and community converge—a true stomping ground for generations to come.
As Main Ground Coffee thrives, it embodies Crimson Cup’s ethos: that great coffee isn’t just crafted in the roastery, but through partnerships that empower entrepreneurs and uplift communities. With every sip, Groveport tastes the power of a legacy reinvented.