2 Years Awaited, Common Ground Draws Lunch Crowd

Already, Deli Rose Emerges As Best-Selling Sandwich

3-12-10


By BENJAMIN DEER

Long-awaited Common Ground has only been open two weeks, but it is already has quite a following. 
In development for two years, the cafe-restaurant at Chestnut and Main is off to a strong start.
“It’s been a real success so far, and business keeps picking up,” said Bynah, one of the 15 members of the Twelve Tribes community who renovated the building and are operating the restaurant.
 She has seen the process from start to finish.
“We’re very happy.  We’ve settled in, and it’s getting popular just by word of mouth,” she said.
Plans are for the business to be open 24 hours a day, five days a week.  The lower level - complete with comfy couches -- will 24/7 first.  For now, Common Ground is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, with delivery available.
 Both levels offer the full menu including best-seller, the Deli Rose: a sandwich of roast beef, corned beef, provolone, hot pepper cheeses, onions, tomato, mayonaise, mustard and Common Ground’s own special sauce on an onion roll.
Another specialty is yerbe mate, a South American tea.
The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly, “It’s just a place for people to relax, get out of the hustle and bustle of life.  Take a breather,” Bynah said. 
Reminiscent of a large ski lodge, or a fancy lumber yard, the extensive wood paneling -- from Beech to driftwood and barn salvage -- came from donations.  “It’s rustic, elegant, organic,” said Bill Johnson, one of the owners.
“Everybody here had a hand in building the place.  It really reflects the abilities and contributions of all of us,” he said.