Store History
River Road Coffeehouse-Granville is the original store of our coffeehouse family and considered the “flagship” location. It opened in April, 2003 in an old Victorian Farmhouse situated at the gateway to Granville on “New” River Road. A succession of coffee shops operated out of this locating in the 1990’s included The Gourmet Trading Post and the Granville Coffeehouse. Our first customers remembered George Mussi who opened the Trading Post and worked long hours to cultivate a coffeehouse “community” and build his business.
Granville residents embraced the “local-small” business flavor of the coffeehouse and the unique interior rooms provided wonderful spaces for business meetings with clients as well as a place for friends and family to discuss the issues of the day. In late 2005, Denison University students began coming “down from the hill” in increasing numbers to enjoy the coffee, pastry and food offerings of River Road Coffeehouse. We are especially proud of providing support for Granville High School’s PAX Program which recognizes the value of kindness and consideration among students, faculty and staff.
Through several interior renovation projects, the Formans have been careful to preserve the integrity of the first floor layout. The home is divided into several rooms to afford our customers some privacy and the ability to meet with few distractions. We have decorated with a variety of seating options, including couches, armchairs, and two-, four-, and six-top tables. The Community Room is available to non-profit groups for meetings and presentations and the Fireplace Room and Dining Room house art and pottery selections. Many customers use the Gathering Lounge or the Sun Porch to read or people-watch. The circa 1860’s farmhouse appears in the Archives of Licking County in its original location closer to Main Street as “Spring Hills Farm”…and the pictured front and west sides of the building are nearly identical to its current appearance.
In the warmer spring and summer months, we provide our customers with a three-level outside deck overlooking Lake Hudson
Our free WiFi is always up and running… allowing our customers to conduct business meetings, study, or simply keep in contact with the outside world.