Our Story
In 2019, Leah and Heide Koenig, along with their families, purchased the original Brideweser Harness Shop, and set off on a journey to restore the treasured Botkins building. The families have been working on the building over the past years and have described it as a labor of love. During that time, many artifacts have been uncovered. Some of the highlights include; the ceiling from the harness shop with the hooks that harnesses once hung from, the exterior wall (now interior) where the remnants of a mural advertising the harness shop was uncovered and will now remain, several brick chimneys that were covered in drywall, plaster and lathe, and the original restored wood floors. Recently finished was an upstairs two-bedroom one bath apartment that has a beautiful view of downtown Botkins.
The Koenig’s goal to open FarmGrounds Coffee Co. in the space that occupies 201 West State Street has finally been realized. While Leah continues to raise her growing family, Heide opened the doors in late March 2022. Much thought was given to the name with the desire to honor the strong agricultural community. Their hope is to provide space for residents and visitors to gather as well as complement the existing businesses, while inspiring additional investment and development.