Gardner’s longtime neighborhood café, Groundhouse Coffee, is on the market. On Oct. 21, owners Keith and Allison Davenport disclosed that the downtown shop at 103 S. Elm St. is listed for $425,000, with offers due by noon on Nov. 4.
Owners’ Reason for Selling
Keith Davenport explained that his oldest child will be heading to college within the next two years, prompting a natural transition for the family. “It’s a lot like when you sell a house or look for a new job,” Davenport said. “When you first get there it’s perfect for that season of life, but life changes.”
Community Legacy
The Davenports have emphasized the café’s role as a third place for Gardner residents. “I’m really proud of a lot of the community connections we’ve been able to make here,” Davenport said. “I’m intent on finding the next owner to be someone who will carry on that community legacy.”
Groundhouse Coffee was founded in 2011 by Steve and Beth Hines. When the Hineses retired, they transferred ownership to friends Keith and Allison Davenport, who had previously managed the shop’s second location—a drive‑through that closed last year because it lacked the communal space of the original.
Local Involvement and Events
Under the Davenports, the café has remained active in local schools and events. For the upcoming Kindness Day at Sunflower Elementary School, Groundhouse will provide pastry bags for children to decorate, then distribute the treats to patrons. The shop also rents its space for private gatherings.
Barista and keyholder Christina Lang, who has worked at Groundhouse since March and grew up in Gardner, praised the café’s family‑like atmosphere. “It sounds silly to say, ‘This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,’ but honestly, I love working here and I love the people,” Lang said. “Groundhouse has been like a second home to me.”
Lang, a psychology student at Johnson County Community College, expressed hope that any new owner will respect the café’s core values while allowing for thoughtful changes. “I’m always open to working with people and new changes they want, just as long as the core of what Groundhouse is stays the same,” she said.
Transition Plan
The Davenports assured customers that the café will stay open throughout the ownership transition. They noted that a previous change in ownership caused little disruption for patrons, and they expect a similar smooth handoff this time.
“I think it’s neat — just the amount of ownership residents have over Groundhouse,” Davenport added. “No matter who is the owner, it really feels like it’s the community’s coffee shop. The owner is just taking care of it.”
How to Inquire
Interested buyers can reach Keith Davenport by email at [email protected] or by texting (317) 441‑3338.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
