WELL GROUNDED TEA & COFFEE BAR:
Cozy Community Café in El Cerrito
For those of you who like to support local small businesses,
Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar is a great venue to add to
your list! This small but mighty family-owned establishment
has been serving the El Cerrito community for nearly twelve
years, and has amassed a following of regulars who faithfully
return to enjoy great coffee, food and snacks, as well as genuine
personalized service. The cafe is nestled among several other
small businesses in the heart of a residential neighborhood on
Stockton Avenue, not far from El Cerrito High School, and is a
popular gathering place, particularly with locals and students.
Jen Komaromi, co-owner of Well-Grounded, also owns
Jenny K Gift Shop, which is located two doors down from the
café. In fact, Jen’s business aspirations led to the establishment
of Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar. She spent a number of
years working in wholesale before deciding to branch out on
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her own and begin an internet retail sales business. When her
business outgrew her home, Jen rented office space above the
storefront that is now Well Grounded. She quickly tired of the
lunch options available at the local 7-Eleven store across the
street, the only business that sold food in the immediate area.
Having worked at a coffee shop during her college years, she
suggested to her husband, Kevin O’Neal, that they open a coffee
shop to fill the void in that area of El Cerrito. Soon afterwards,
the commercial space below Jen’s office became available, and
Well Grounded became a reality. Initially, the café primarily
sold coffees, teas, pastries, and Bocadillos—sandwiches made on
baguettes cut lengthwise. Over the years, the menu has evolved
and expanded significantly to include a variety of organic and
locally sourced foods and beverages, including beers and wine.
Jen’s internet sales business also expanded, and the nearby Jenny
RESTAURANT REVIEW
6925 Stockton Avenue, El Cerrito | (510) 528-4709 | Facebook @wellgroundedcafe
By Vickie Lewis
Turkey Pesto Sandwich on Focaccia
Semifreddi’s Blueberry Danish