In 2014, when the third-wave coffee movement was just beginning in Indonesia, Common Grounds emerged as a pioneer by opening its first outlet in Sudirman Citywalk Mall. Since then, they have opened 12 outlets in Jakarta and several more in Bandung and Surabaya. Through its business model, Common Grounds aims to create shared spaces that can connect people of different ages, religions, races, occupations, and interests to come, find, and build relationships with one another through a shared love of amazing coffee.
During the eight years journey, Common Grounds has evolved not only as the operator of the famed coffee shops but also under a new mission to become a holistic coffee company. Common Grounds today is an integrated company; Not only managing a coffee shop chain in three big cities in Indonesia, but it also operates a roastery facility, provides coffee consulting services, an educational training service for farmers, as well as developing a new start-up company called Jago Coffee, a mobile coffee chain that aims to bring coffee closer to customers.
“We aim to be recognized globally as one of the best coffee companies. That is why we are now providing various products and services to cater to end-to-end needs,” revealed Aston.
One of the significant steps taken by Common Grounds is building a roastery facility located in Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta. The roastery, which has acquired a certification from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), not only allows Common Grounds to supply coffee beans for its own coffee shops in Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya but it also allows them to create bespoke specialty coffee blends for various cafes, restaurants, and hotels around the country.
Common Grounds is also eager to engage across different communities in Indonesia. Through its new path, it is now not only welcome to coffee enthusiasts but also to be more open to various communities. To accommodate that, Common Grounds has taken unique steps; Common Grounds Zero at ASHTA District 8 welcomes design enthusiasts with its notable design by AlvinT Studio by Alvin Tjitrowirjo.
The store also provides big meals and bespoke cocktails to culinary aficionados. The recently opened Common Grounds Pondok Indah Plaza 2 features a retail corner selling collectible sneakers and urban attires by local and international designers. In August, this coffee brand also collaborated with Museum Macan and renowned Indonesian artist Agus Suwage to release unique cup sleeves decorated with beautiful art by the artist.
“We are open to any events and activations with other brands. This is in line with one of our visions to bring people together and create connections amongst different communities,” stated Aston.
As Common Grounds now caters to a broader audience, the culinary team has also thrived in providing fresh and innovative menu offerings. Through the creative mind of its Corporate Executive Chef, Common Grounds created a standardized menu that is easy to enjoy and imprints good memories with customers. The menu and food concept is constantly renewed every few months to provide an exciting reason for regular customers to return to Common Grounds continually.
From one coffee shop in Central Jakarta to a holistic coffee company, Common Grounds has proven to evolve into something bigger and better. In the coming years, Common Grounds’ goal is to become a key player in the coffee industry in Indonesia and globally.
Jan Jurecka Brings Passion in Sustainability">
