Family Roots Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company In Manhattan

MANHATTAN, IL — A family with deep roots in Manhattan will bring to fruition their dream to open a local business in the town they've loved for years.

Manhattan residents Holly Barajas with her brother Jonathan Tough, her mother Cheryl and stepfather Paul Wellman, have secured a space for their Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company. The project combines their enthusiasm for a sip of something piping hot, with a deep appreciation for the small town they've embraced as home.

"This project has been a year in the making and after much anticipation and lots of patience we are pleased to announce that Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company will be located in Manhattan Station at Gougar and Sweedler," Barajas announced on social media Monday.

Barajas and her brother grew up in nearby New Lenox; her stepfather grew up in Mokena. All three are Lincoln-Way Central alumni. The family also owns Frankfort-based Integrity Manufacturing, Inc. When it came time to choose a location to stake out their Peaceful Grounds, Manhattan seemed a natural fit.

"We thought why not do something fun in town, so we can be a part of the town we love still," Barajas said.

It took a year and a couple of twists and turns to find their way to the 2,900-sq. ft. space at 25626 S. Gougar Rd.—the corner of Gougar and Sweedler roads, Barajas said.
"It worked out so well, because the owner of that building is just so kind," Barajas said. "Sometimes bad things happen, but the perfect thing is right around the corner, and this was definitely like that."

Peaceful Grounds will offer a cozy atmosphere, and a menu featuring a variety of light breakfast and lunch sandwiches, in addition to its fresh coffee and tea selections. Her mother had always dreamt of opening a coffee or ice cream shop, she said. The two share a love for early-2000s TV series Gilmore Girls, in which the mother-daughter duo main characters voraciously gulp coffee while exchanging quick-witted, too-fast-to-keep-up dialogue. The show is based in idyllic Stars Hollow, a small town nestled in Connecticut and populated with quirky characters.

Manhattan, Barajas said, has that same feel to it.

"We just really love the small-town feel of Manhattan, and that’s why we settled here, too," Barajas said. "We just love that Manhattan is this small, cozy hometown."

Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen is excited to see another business open in town. It's the latest in several either recently opened or soon to open. Posh West Boutique opened this summer, along with Soka Japanese Hibachi and Sushi. Arrowhead Smoke Works also continues to work toward its opening.

'We are thrilled to welcome Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company to our growing business community," he said in a release. "Their presence is yet another sign that Manhattan is becoming a destination for small businesses to thrive. Our community is the perfect environment for entrepreneurs, and we’re confident Peaceful Grounds will be a tremendous success.

"... Peaceful Grounds is a wonderful addition to the village’s expanding landscape of small businesses."

Peaceful Grounds is part of a broader effort to continue fostering local economic development and support small business growth in Manhattan, Adrieansen said. As more businesses like Peaceful Grounds choose Manhattan as their home, residents will have increased access to unique, locally-owned services and experiences. That's exactly what Barajas hopes.

The group will begin work on the interior now, with hopes to open by the end of the year. Adrieansen promoted a December 6 open date in the Village's release.

The space needs to be transformed into the peaceful, "Zen" setting the group is seeking, Barajas said. It will include a small room as dedicated play space for children, as well as some rentable area.

They want to make sure everything is "just right" before opening, she said.

"We’re really excited," Barajas said, "and we can’t wait to meet everybody and get started."

For the latest updates on Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company, follow them on Facebook.