WACO, Texas — Common Grounds, the coffeehouse that has become a fixture of Waco’s social and campus life since it opened in 1994, is on the market and customers say they hope the next owner will protect what they consider an important community asset.
Owners seeking buyer with ties to Waco and Baylor
Current owners Blake and Kimberley Batson, both Baylor alumni who purchased the business in 2012, listed the shop in an online application that places the asking price in a $2 million to $3 million range. The application asks prospective buyers about their connection to Common Grounds, Baylor University and the Waco community, and requests a description of the buyers’ vision for the business.
Decades-old presence and growth across the county
What began as a single location on Eighth Street in 1994 has expanded to four locations across McLennan County. The brand’s longevity and expansion have tied it closely to Baylor students, faculty and long-time Waco residents who use the shops for study, meetings and neighborhood gatherings.
- Founded: 1994
- Current ownership since: 2012
- Number of locations: 4
- Listed price range: $2 million–$3 million
Regulars emphasize culture, outdoor space and student events
For many Baylor students, Common Grounds is part of their weekly routine. Student Ellie Vaugh said the shop’s outdoor seating and backyard events matter as much as the coffee.
"I love Common Grounds. I'm a number one fan of Common Grounds. I get coffee every Sunday morning before church, so I'm just hoping that nothing too drastic happens. I hope they don't get rid of the Noble because that's the way to go,"
Vaugh added that she hopes the new owner will keep the shop’s backyard event programming, which she described as a draw during campus events such as Line Camp and for open mic nights during the school year.
Alumnus Paul Lanigan, who said he visited Common Grounds roughly three times a week while a student and still returns, framed the sale as an emotional moment for patrons.
"It's like a big cultural piece of Waco, and so it kind of feels like there's an emotional thing in it being sold,"
Lanigan said he would like to see the next owner acknowledge and maintain the shop’s ties to Baylor and the wider Waco community.
What the sale could mean for Waco
Local independent coffee shops often serve as third places where people gather outside home and work. Common Grounds’ request that prospective buyers explain their relationship to Baylor and the community suggests the current owners are seeking continuity in operations and community engagement.
Potential outcomes for the business include continued local ownership that preserves current programs and culture, purchase by an owner who adapts the concept while retaining core elements, or sale to an operator who may shift the brand. The listing’s emphasis on community ties signals that the Batsons expect the buyer to be sensitive to Common Grounds’ role in Waco.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1994 |
| Owned by Batsons since | 2012 |
| Locations | 4 (McLennan County) |
| Listed price range | $2 million–$3 million |
As the sale process unfolds, customers and alumni are watching closely. For many in Waco, Common Grounds is more than a place to buy coffee; it is a venue for community events, student gatherings and everyday social life. How a buyer addresses those roles will likely determine public reaction to any ownership change.
The current listing and the Batsons’ stated criteria for buyers leave room for a range of futures for the business. Meanwhile, proprietors and patrons alike will be attentive to any shifts in menu, programming or use of outdoor event spaces once a new owner is announced.
