This is us

Though Joel is a native of NYC and Tara of rural Central Ohio, the two met nearly 7,000 miles away, while living in the South Korean city of Bundang. They returned to the States and chose to call Columbus’s South Side home. Tara and Joel have an adventurous teenager, two energetic preschoolers, and a big hound dog named Conway. They also own Off Center: Patio & Pub, serving up legit NY Style pizza, Puerto Rican food, craft cocktails and beer in Old Hilliard. You will find a limited menu from Off Center available at Community Grounds. In addition, they own CTO, a health and safety training center Tara founded in January 2013.Tara is the idea generator. She manages the team, special events, and maintains all the creative stuff that happens behind the scenes, which often includes talking Joel into embracing her latest idea. Joel is the executor. The gears of the operation, and the one with the refined palette and cooking skills! Joel’s parents hail from Puerto Rico’s North Region, though “home” for Joel is Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood. 

 Our nuclear family is multiracial, neurodiverse, and includes members of the LGBTQIA+ Community. We understand deeply the importance of truly inclusive, welcoming third spaces. We're glad you found us. See you soon!

Our team is a direct reflection of our commitment to embrace folks of all identities and abilities into everything we do. We request that when you interact with your barista or another member of our team, you do so with an open mind, consider your biases, and assume best intent. Thank you for doing your part to keep CG a safe workplace for our team.

Love our unique house made food, drink, and mercantile offerings? Chances are, you know who created your favorite one! Our team members are given space and time to be creative, and we're always impressed!

Care to join us? Reach out to admin@mycommunitygrounds.com to inquire about employment opportunities.

 "One will weave the canvas; another will fell a tree by the light of his ax. Yet another will forge nails, and there will be others who observe the stars to learn how to navigate. And yet all will be as one. Building a boat isn't about weaving canvas, forging nails, or reading the sky. It's about giving a shared taste for the sea, by the light of which you will see nothing contradictory but rather a community of love." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry