Commongrounds Coffee and Books is a great place for coffee, chatting

Commongrounds Coffee and Books serves what may be the best smoothies, frappes, and lattes in the village of Bethel.

The business is located at 217 West Plane Street, in the front part of the building which also houses Faith Chapel Ministries. Owners Michael and Rhonda Trees are also members of Faith Chapel.

Michael Trees said that his vision of what the business is has been evolving. When he opened the business, his vision was to have a Christian book store with a little coffee shop area, but now, the coffee shop is the main part of the business. The Christian books and merchandise, while growing, is secondary.

“Our fruit smoothies are very popular,” Trees said.

In addition to all the coffees, tea, and other drinks typical of coffee shops, Commongrounds offers homemade baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast items.

Rhonda Trees says that Commongrounds is a good place to come and socialize, and compares it to a restaurant that was very popular in Bethel years ago.

“It’s like Blue Haven was,” Rhonda Trees said. “It’s a great place to come and sit down, meet people, and chat.”

Commongrounds is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m – 8 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (513) 515-3700.