24 MARCH 2026 By Mallory Gleich A cup of coffee can be more than just a morning pick- me-up – it can be a small, grounding moment in a busy day. For Rebekah Wilhelm, that moment became the inspiration behind Grounds & Gratitude, a mobile coffee trailer that debuted outside Métier Pharmacy in January. According to Wilhelm, the name Grounds & Gratitude came from a very personal place. When her daughter was younger, she faced significant health challenges that led to multiple long stays at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. One afternoon, Wilhelm stepped into the hospital coffee shop and held a warm latte in her hands, enjoying a small comfort in a difficult moment. “It struck me how something so simple could become a reminder to pause, breathe, and find gratitude, even in the hardest seasons,” Wilhelm said. “That moment planted the seed for what would become Grounds & Gratitude. I held tight to the dream of starting a coffee shop and now, four years later, the dream has become reality!” The journey from inspiration to execution took eight months. The mobile trailer itself was custom-built by Aero Build in Nashville, Tennessee, with weekly videos keeping her closely connected to its construction. Operating a mobile coffee business required navigating a few logistical hurdles. Grounds & Gratitude applied for a Mobile Food Type 2 Permit with the state, ensuring that it met all regulatory requirements before hitting the streets. Today, the trailer serves as both a stationary spot and a mobile service, appearing at community gatherings, private events and celebrations, in addition to its home base. Located in the courtyard of Métier Pharmacy and Clinic, Grounds & Gratitude is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu features coffee, lattes, espresso, tea, hot chocolate, a signature protein coffee drink, and seasonal beverages. Wilhelm’s daughter, who manages the cart and works as the barista, helped develop many of the recipes. “We hope guests gain a feeling of belonging and care when they visit, whether it’s through a familiar face, a comforting drink, or a simple reminder to lead with gratitude,” she said. That sense of community is a natural extension of the work Wilhelm and her team have been doing for nearly a decade at Métier Pharmacy and Clinic. “That commitment to people is what we’re most passionate about, and Grounds & Gratitude is a natural extension of that mission, creating a welcoming space where connection, care, and gratitude are part of every visit,” she said. From a simple latte in a hospital coffee shop to a fully operational mobile coffee cart, Grounds & Gratitude is proof of the power of small comforts and thoughtful gestures. It’s not just about serving coffee, it’s about creating moments where people feel seen, cared for, and reminded to pause in the midst of life’s challenges. 3511 E. Indian School Road Learn more @grounds_and_gratitude Small comforts create big connections in the neighborhood Braydon Ledford, Gabriella Wilhelm, Rebekah Wilhelm, Randle House and Grace Wilhelm. (right) Inspired by a latte and a personal journey at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Grounds & Gratitude blends handcrafted drinks with a mission of everyday comfort. PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBEKAH WILHELM By Mark Hays Neutral Ground, a new restaurant and lounge from Arcadia local Kevin Ehret, has opened its doors at The Marilyn. The concept has been years in the making, shaped by his cooking career both in the neighborhood and in New Orleans, North Carolina, and Hawaii. “I have always loved the idea of a true neighborhood lounge,” Ehret said. “A place that feels elevated but comfortable, where people can slow down, enjoy themselves, and feel genuinely taken care of.” Ehret said seasonality and hospitality are central to the lounge’s philosophy. “I learned to cook while working in Asheville, North Carolina, where farms and producers were part of everyday life,” he said. “That mindset still shapes how we cook today.” The menu focuses on shareable dishes that shift throughout the year as fresh ingredients become available. “If an ingredient is no longer at its peak, it comes off the menu,” Ehret said. “We would rather change a dish than push something past its moment.” Local agriculture, especially during Arizona’s cooler months, plays a significant role in what guests see on the menu right now, including bright citrus- forward dishes. “Our food is designed as small, shareable plates that feel clean and approachable,” he said. “The dishes are meant to be fun and familiar, often presented in a slightly unexpected way.” The wine and cocktail programs follow the same mindset, focusing on familiar grapes, spirits, and flavor profiles while introducing guests to producers or regions they may not already know. Drinks are meant to be enjoyable and easygoing, pairing naturally with conversation and connection. “The goal is to create food and drinks that pair naturally with conversation, connection, and the neighborhood,” Ehret said. “We take our craft of food, drink, and hospitality very seriously, but not ourselves.” Design inspiration for the space draws from New Orleans, particularly the Garden District, where “spaces feel layered, warm, and timeless,” according to Ehret. He worked with designer Cindy Louie of Go Studio Go to bring that feeling to life. “The goal was to create something that feels like an escape without being formal, a place that feels intentional and welcoming,” he said. Ehret is the sole owner of Neutral Ground Lounge, a project he has been developing for more than 15 years. Opening in Arcadia holds personal meaning. “I grew up from my middle through high school years about two miles away,” he said. “After spending years cooking and working in restaurants around the country, it is meaningful to return and build something unique in a neighborhood I know well.” 4602 E. Thomas Road nglphx.com A lounge that prides itself on its local roots Neutral Ground Lounge’s design draws inspiration from New Orleans’ Garden District. PHOTOS: LILY HERNANDEZ

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