Our Story

Rooted in Berkeley. Bringing people together since 1984.

The H.U.G. House of Uncommon Grounds sign at the roastery

The House of Uncommon Grounds™ traces its roots to Uncommon Grounds, part of the Bay Area coffee story since 1984.

Coffee brought people through the door. Music, conversation, and the people they met gave them reasons to stay. In 1995, Uncommon Grounds received the Bay Guardian’s Best of San Francisco and the Bay Area recognition for coffeehouse music, a piece of history we’re proud to carry forward.

Today, under new ownership, that story continues.

Our responsibility is to honor the work that built this place while making room for what it can become.

In early 2026, we began shaping a new chapter for The House, rooted in Berkeley and built around fresh-roasted coffee, art, community, and the everyday possibility of people coming together.

We’re growing that vision through wholesale partnerships, subscriptions, gatherings, and new ways to bring The House into people’s lives.

At the heart of it is a simple belief:

What happens around coffee matters.

People meet. Ideas begin. Friendships take root. Someone finds a place where they feel welcome.

That is the House we’re building. And its next chapter is ours to write together.

The People Behind The House

We’re here to help you find your coffee, talk through what your business needs, and welcome you to our West Berkeley roastery by appointment.

James at The House
JamesPresident
  • Vision & Strategy
  • Business Development
  • Business Relationships
Santana at The House
SantanaVice President
  • Facility Management
  • Branding and Design
  • Business Management
Ben at The House
BenVice President
  • Customer Relationships: Wholesale and Retail
  • Business Planning and Development
  • Financial Operations
Jhoanna at The House
JhoannaCreative Director
  • Event Coordinator
  • Business Programs