Provo coffee shop Rugged Grounds set to close Sunday ahead of apartment construction
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- The outside of Rugged Grounds Coffee Shop is pictured Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
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- Sadie Crowley, co-owner of Rugged Grounds Coffee Shop in Provo, peruses one of the many books inside of the building Tuesay, Feb. 18, 2025.
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- The upper-level layout of Rugged Grounds coffee shop in Provo is pictured Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
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- Sadie Crowley prepares a coffee beverage at her and her partners’ shop, Rugged Grounds, on Saturday, April 22, 2017.
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- Skyler Saenz prepares a coffee beverage at he and his partners’ shop, Rugged Grounds, on Saturday, April 22, 2017.
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- The outside of Rugged Grounds Coffee Shop is pictured Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
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- A longtime supporter of Rugged Grounds named Madison works through a color illustration inside of the coffee shop Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
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- A bookcase along the upper-level layout of Rugged Grounds coffee shop in Provo is seen Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
A familiar sight near the corner of 500 South and Freedom Boulevard in Provo will soon become just a collection of memories.
Just weeks ahead of what would have been its eighth year in business, community coffee shop Rugged Grounds will serve its final cup of joe this weekend.
The rustic-style building topped with a crescent moon and burgundy coffee shop marquee out front, which currently sits on the property at 156 W. 500 South, is being demolished to make way for an eight-story, 129-unit apartment complex.
The Provo City Planning Commission deliberated about whether or not the high-density apartment development would meet zoning requirements at its Jan. 8 meeting. Despite dozens of supporters of Rugged Grounds who filled the council chambers and spoke in opposition of bulldozing the coffee shop, the plan was approved.
The development also calls for the auto repair shop that sits adjacent to Rugged Grounds to be bulldozed.
The decision prompted a mix of emotions for Rugged Grounds co-owner Sadie Crowley, who says it was more than just a coffee shop.
The business often would provide event space for concerts, support groups, weddings and local business owners to showcase products, Crowley stated.
She, alongside business partners Skyler Saenz and Claire Buiatti, opened Rugged Grounds in the spring of 2017.
According to Crowley, she and Saenz, who were dating at the time, had an affinity for coffee and dreamed of the day they could open their own business.
While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ influence in Provo isn’t lost on her, Crowley said Rugged Grounds served as a “counter-culture” space for all people, creating a feeling of belonging and connection to others.
“You know, it’s not like we make the rules. But since the church aligns opposite of coffee, it just creates a sense of camaraderie off the bat,” Crowley said in an interview with the Daily Herald on Tuesday.
On a given day inside Rugged Grounds, baristas and staff could be seen behind a small wooden counter on the bottom level of the shop taking and preparing orders.
The upstairs of the current coffee shop features an eclectic mix of books and games, among other vintage collections. Tables, chairs and lounge spaces line the wooden floors where a diverse range of customers, including college students, would gather — some with their heads buried in a book or their laptop, others conversing over their favorite cup of coffee or a slice of avocado toast.
While Rugged Grounds has provided joy to its customers for the better part of a decade, Crowley said the past few years has presented a roller coaster of feelings.
The business was at risk of closure in 2021 after a developer purchased the property, but they couldn’t get their project approved, according to Crowley.
Another developer, a short time after, bought the property, and Rugged Grounds entered into a month-to-month lease agreement with them.
For months, Crowley said, she heard rumors that the current property owners wanted to build something else on the lot. But reality settled in at last month’s planning commission meeting and after the arrival of a one-month notice to vacate the property.
Though the end result wasn’t what she hoped for, Crowley said she was blown away by the outpouring of community support during the meeting.
“The amount that people cared was absolutely stunning to witness, probably the best night of my life. It was a little bit like being alive at your own funeral,” Crowley described.
During the public comment portion of the planning commission meeting, businessman Mike Morley, who owns the property, said he’d be willing to entertain building a coffee shop inside of the new apartment complex.
Saenz says he’s open to working with the developers, but it’ll take time before those apartments are built.
“We’re definitely looking into that. But to survive the next two years while they build out that location, we have to definitely survive,” he told the Daily Herald in a phone call Friday morning.
At the moment, Saenz says, Rugged Grounds is exploring opportunities to open in a new location in Provo.
He said it’s bittersweet to close this chapter on their current coffee shop, but he’s optimistic for the future of Rugged Grounds and looks to make some additions to their service.
“We’re talking about extended hours. We’re thinking beer and wine, mocktails, trying to cater to different clientele as well,” Saenz explained. “And then we’re also wanting to be like a full coffee shop, so we’re going to start roasting coffee.”
While the Rugged Grounds journey may continue, two of the owners are parting ways.
Crowley said she’s taking on a new business venture with two other baristas from the Rugged Grounds staff.
“We’re starting our own coffee shop,” Crowley told the Daily Herald. “This place has been the best and the worst of times for me, but it’s brought incredible and beautiful people into my life that I am excited to work with, and I’m very excited about the future.”
Crowley said she’s grateful for the spirit of community Rugged Grounds inspired and the people she’s encountered during their time open, and the time felt right to start a new chapter in entrepreneurship.
However, saying goodbye to their beloved building is heartbreaking.
“Obviously, this building is so beautiful and so unique, and I think that is a huge tragedy (to tear it down). I’ve had people from all over the world tell me just how beautiful it is,” Crowley said.
As customers and longtime patrons of Rugged Grounds prepare to bid their final farewell, both Crowley and Saenz expressed sincere gratitude to those who have supported their dream each step of the way.
“Every single person who’s ever been a part of this in any capacity helped create what it is, and it’s been amazing,” Crowley said.
“We love Provo and can’t wait to be back servicing and building community,” Saenz said.
Rugged Grounds’ last day open — for now, at least — is Sunday. The coffee shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
