At Groundworks Cafe, we believe great coffee creates kingdom opportunities. As a Christian owned and faith-dependent establishment founded in 2022, our mission extends far beyond serving exceptional food and drinks—we're building a sanctuary where genuine fellowship flourishes and lives are transformed.
Since opening our doors, we've dedicated our first fruits to supporting missionaries and evangelical churches throughout Nutley and beyond.
Every crepe served, every bubble tea crafted, and every frozen yogurt enjoyed directly contributes to kingdom expansion in our community.
What happens at Groundworks isn't just business—it's ministry. Our space has become a haven where Bible studies flourish, impromptu prayer circles form, and strangers become family. We've witnessed countless moments of divine connection: a customer in tears receiving prayer after noticing an encouraging Scripture written on their cup; church worship teams from different congregations coming together to "jam out and usher in the Spirit of God"; and celebration gatherings after Resurrection Sunday services where our community continues fellowship long after church doors close.
Our team brings the same approach to hospitality that has defined our church ministry for 17 years—creating an "open, approachable vibe and the overwhelming feeling of being loved." This authentic care has become our signature, more distinctive than any item on our menu.
As a woman and minority-owned business, we understand the power of diverse perspectives united by a common faith. We've designed our modern, earthy space intentionally as a place where students can study with worship music playing softly, professionals can take work calls in a spirit-filled atmosphere, and everyone feels the presence of God—even outside traditional church settings.
Our vision extends beyond our current location. We believe God is calling us to establish 30 Groundworks locations across America—not to build a business empire, but to create more spaces where fellowship and evangelism thrive when church doors close.
We remain eternally grateful for the unwavering support of our customers, partners, and the family and friends who helped make this God-given dream reality. When you visit Groundworks Cafe, you're not just enjoying exceptional food and drinks—you're becoming part of a movement that's changing lives one cup, one conversation, and one connection at a time.
Welcome to the family.
My name is Myrli Sanchez, CEO
Mission
Our mission at Groundworks Cafe is to create a warm, inviting sanctuary where faith-filled fellowship extends beyond church walls. We deliver exceptional food and beverages in a modern, earthy space intentionally designed for meaningful connection. Through our signature blend of hospitality, we aim to build long-lasting relationships with our community by consistently delivering both culinary excellence and spiritual encouragement. From Bible studies and worship sessions to encouraging messages written on cups, everything we do is designed to embrace, empower, and encourage—never settling for anything less than excellence in both our products and our ministry. We maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all business operations while keeping our spiritual purpose at the forefront.
Our vision is to transform the cafe experience into a movement of ministry and fellowship. We envision a network of 30 Groundworks locations across America serving as beacons of faith where worship music plays, prayer happens naturally, and God's love is tangibly felt. We see workspaces where professionals take calls surrounded by God's presence, study areas where students prepare for exams in a spirit-filled atmosphere, and gathering places where church members continue fellowship long after Sunday service ends. Through culinary excellence and authentic hospitality, we aim to create environments where evangelism happens organically and communities are strengthened. We strive to redefine what "cafe culture" means—not just as places of consumption, but as catalysts for kingdom expansion and spiritual transformation.
