Gather + Grounds North — Restaurant in Richmond

Why I waited so long to try this place, I have no idea, but I'm definitely glad I finally got the chance to stop in. This place is more than a sandwich coffee shop, it's a place where special needs people get to work with the public & put their training they receive at the Centerline location to good use, preparing them for the workforce. There was only one gentleman from the training center working when we stopped in on Saturday, but he was so polite & boy o boy, he made some fabulous sandwiches! And I'll say, it's apparent they definitely received fantastic training because everything we received was delicious & top notch! First off, WOW is the inside of this establishment HUGE! Something I wasn't expecting. They have an area off to the right with a comfy couch & an oversized comfy chair to sit at while enjoying your coffee. You could also sit there & read a good book or work on your laptop/tablet. We got sandwiches for lunch & I'll start by saying they make most of (not sure if they make it all) their bread from scratch at their main locaiton in Centerline & transport it here. It's fresh & SO yummy! My friend got their reuben on homemade rye. She said it was delish. I got their turkey bacon wrap (minus the avocado), Both sandwiches were full of a LOT of meat & the bacon in mine was cooked fresh & the turkey was more like leftover Thanksgiving turkey, because it didn't taste & look like deli sliced turkey, which I always appreciate a real turkey sandwich. Both sandwiches came with a dill pickle spear as wel. And they brought our sandwiches out to us in a nice to-go box with also bringing us paper plates & napkins. As for their prices, VERY reasonable, considering the quality of food we received as well as the presentation. They also do a small breakfast selection & even sell some of their homemade breads. Don't pass this place by if you're looking for a nice lunch, breakfast or just a cup of coffee (& they even have some of the fancier coffee options too!) becuase you won't be...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gather + Grounds is something truly special

This café is more than just a great place to grab coffee — it's a space built on purpose, inclusion, and community. Operated through Rising Stars Academy, Gather + Grounds gives young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to gain real-world job experience in a supportive, welcoming environment.

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm and uplifting. The students and staff are incredibly friendly, the service is excellent, and the drinks and food are delicious. It’s clear that everything here is done with care and intention.

What makes Gather + Grounds stand out is how it creates opportunity. Every visit helps support the personal growth and independence of people who deserve to be seen, valued, and empowered.

I’ll absolutely be back — and I’ll be encouraging everyone I know to support this incredible place.

Five stars...

I have come to this place twice now and both times, I was met with very friendly staff. The atmosphere gives off an industrial vibe and it is very fun and clean. The first time there I got the muffaletta. It was very good, but the bread is a little thick for my liking. A muffaletta should have a thinner bread with a hard crusty top. The second time I went in and got a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit totally blows put Tim Horton, Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King out of the water. It was fabulous. The biscuit is homemade, the egg and sausage were good quality and it just made my stomach very happy!

I highly recommend you try this place if you...