St. Petersburg, Fla. - September 17th, 2025 - Southern Grounds is thrilled to announce the opening of its new location in St. Petersburg, Florida. Originally founded in Jacksonville, Southern Grounds aims to establish itself in St. Pete as a community hub offering high-quality coffee, food, ambiance, and hospitality.

The Mission

Southern Grounds is a chef-driven coffee shop providing sustainably sourced food and beverages. The brand's mission is to “Nourish, nurture and inspire healthy community life by giving back.”

After years of searching for a location with a sense of community in St. Pete, Nick and Zach Presti, along with their business partner, Jordan Hooten, found their ideal location in the heart of downtown. Wanting to bring a unique experience to what a coffee shop can provide, the owners and operators of Southern Grounds have meticulously cultivated a space where people can gather, connect, and foster a meaningful sense of community in an inviting location that encourages patrons to stay awhile, thanks to its full-service menu.

“Southern Grounds brings a seed oil-free food menu to an already elevated coffee shop,” says Nick Presti, owner/operator of Southern Grounds’ St. Pete/Tampa location. “It gives the community a place not only a place to fuel up before or after a workout, hold coffee meetings, or studying outings, but stay for a healthy, sustainable meal to fuel them through the day!”

Southern Grounds’ St. Pete location is a unique coffee shop concept offering seasonal food and beverages. It is also decorated with art from local artist Matt Kress, a deliberate choice by the operators to ensure they continue supporting the local community they are now part of. Each of Southern Grounds’ eight locations boasts a unique aspect, with the local St. Pete art featured in its newest spot contributing to the unmistakable feel of the city’s downtown area.

Southern Grounds brews fresh coffee from Intelligentsia, which is sourced directly to the shop. This community hub will soon offer a spot for happy hours, wine nights, and painting events as it continues to establish itself as a focal point in downtown St. Pete.

For more information on Southern Grounds, visit https://www.southerngrounds.com/.

About Southern Grounds:

Southern Grounds (aka “SoGro”) is a “chef-driven coffee house” located throughout Florida. Southern Grounds believes that a great cup of coffee connects people, starts conversations, and creates communities. Founders Mark Janasik and Shiju Zacharia have created a concept that allows the community to gather together in a relaxing environment with great food. A coffee shop is more than a restaurant: it's a community hub. Southern Grounds is a lifestyle brand committed to providing guests a home away from home with a seasonal approach to our food and drink offerings. The quality of Southern Grounds' coffee, food, ambiance, and hospitality becomes the outstanding experience it is known for. Southern Grounds takes particular care to ensure its food offerings are sustainably grown and practices mindful nutrition and kindness in hospitality. The brand's mission is to “Nourish, nurture and inspire healthy community life by giving back.”

Media Contact
Company Name: Otter Public Relations
Contact Person: Anna Kate Womack
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City: ORLANDO
State: FL
Country: United States
Website: www.otterpr.com