About Southern Grounds
Southern Grounds is built on the belief that wellness starts with connection.
Connection to what we consume, to the people around us, and to the communities we serve. What began as a neighborhood cafe and restaurant in Neptune Beach has grown into ten locations across Jacksonville and St. Pete — each one a gathering place for specialty coffee, chef-driven food, and everyday moments done well.
Rooted in connection
What started in 2016 as a single neighborhood café in Neptune Beach has grown into ten spaces across Northeast Florida and St Pete. We saw too many coffee shops that treated people like transactions - order, pay, leave. We wanted to create something different: spaces where morning coffee turns into staying for lunch, where regulars become friends, where "third place" isn't marketing speak - it's how people actually describe us. Today, we're 10 locations strong, but the mission hasn't changed: fresh-roasted coffee, chef-driven food and genuine hospitality in spaces that feel like they belong to the neighborhood.
Thoughtful sourcing, crafted with care
Intelligentsia Coffee — direct trade, roasted for us, shipped weekly. The espresso you're drinking was green beans ten days ago. Seasonal single-origins rotate alongside the core roast, because a coffee program should surprise you sometimes.
The kitchen runs on extra-virgin olive oil and beef tallow — Corto olive oil, cold-extracted, high in polyphenols. The menu is built from scratch every morning: Verlasso salmon from Patagonia, Greater Omaha beef from Nebraska, grains from Logan's Turnpike Mill. We know where it comes from because we chose every supplier by name.
Spaces that reflect their neighborhood
Each Southern Grounds location reflects the neighborhood it calls home. From relaxed brunches and workday coffee stops to community events and private gatherings our spaces are designed to feel welcoming comfortable and connected. No two locations are the same but all share the same commitment to quality hospitality and community.
Serving people and places
We believe in supporting people and the places we serve. That means investing in our team, partnering with local organizations and making responsible choices that benefit both our guests and the planet.
Part of a hospitality-driven family
Southern Grounds is proudly brought to you by Restaurant Hospitality Investment Group. A hospitality focused team rooted in thoughtful concepts meaningful experiences and community driven spaces.
Our family of restaurants also includes Blueberry Bakery, Oaxaca Club and Alder & Oak. Each concept is distinct yet connected by a shared commitment to quality hospitality intentional sourcing and places people genuinely enjoy returning to.
OUR FAMILY OF BRANDS
Together these brands reflect our passion for creating welcoming spaces where food, coffee and community come together in a way that feels personal, approachable and enduring.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Southern Grounds a coffee shop or a restaurant?
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Both. We started as a neighborhood cafe and grew into an all-day restaurant. Intelligentsia espresso in the morning. Chef-driven bowls, sandwiches, and salads for lunch. Wine and beer in the evening. Breakfast is available all day — a few items are morning-only, and the full menu opens up at 11 AM.
What kind of food does Southern Grounds serve?
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Southern Grounds is a chef-driven cafe and restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch across ten Jacksonville and St. Pete locations. Everything is cooked in extra-virgin olive oil and beef tallow, made from scratch, and sourced by name: Verlasso salmon, Greater Omaha beef, Intelligentsia coffee.
Does Southern Grounds have gluten-free or vegan options?
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Yes — marked on every menu with icons at every location. The grain bowls, power bowls, and most salads are available vegan or gluten-free. Avocado toast, the Greek omelette, and several breakfast plates accommodate dietary needs without being a separate menu — it's built into how we cook.
Does Southern Grounds serve dinner?
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The all-day menu is served from 11 AM to close at most locations. Dinner options include Salmon, Churrasco Steak Frites, Korean Steak Bowl, and Mediterranean Power Bowl, alongside wine and craft beer. Brooklyn is the only location with a full bar.
Does Southern Grounds serve beer and wine?
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Beer and wine at most locations — local craft selections and wine by the glass. Brooklyn has a full bar. Weekend brunch and mimosas are a thing.
Does Southern Grounds serve breakfast all day?
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Yes. Breakfast is available all day at every location. A few items are morning-only, but most of the breakfast menu runs through close. The full menu — bowls, sandwiches, salads, and entrees — opens up at 11 AM.
How many Southern Grounds locations are there?
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Ten across Florida — seven in Jacksonville (Neptune Beach, Avondale, Jax Beach, San Marco, Brooklyn, San Pablo, and two at JAX Airport), plus Saint Augustine and St. Pete. A franchise location in St. Pete is independently owned.
Where does Southern Grounds source its coffee?
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We partner with Intelligentsia Coffee — direct trade, Chicago-roasted — for our core espresso and drip program. Seasonal single-origin selections rotate alongside. The beans ship weekly; a latte at Southern Grounds was green coffee less than two weeks ago.
What oils does Southern Grounds cook with?
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Extra-virgin olive oil and beef tallow. Every dish, every location. We chose these fats for flavor and quality — Corto olive oil, cold-extracted, high in polyphenols. It's how we've cooked since day one.
Does Southern Grounds do catering or private events?
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Yes. Catering is available for pickup and delivery — full menu, scaled for groups, with dietary accommodations. Private events are hosted at Avondale (up to 150+ guests) and San Marco (up to 150+ guests), with chef-driven menus, Intelligentsia coffee service, and AV capabilities. Contact catering@southerngrounds.com or call (904) 415-4117.