JEROMESVILLE — Jeremiah Cordes walked into the building on the corner of High Street and Main Street in Jeromesville and envisioned a coffee shop immediately.
So, he called some of his confidantes — reportedly at 3 a.m. — to share the idea. After their encouragement, Cordes chose to buy the building, which used to house Bodager Hardware.
He bought the building last November and immediately began renovations. A coffee tasting took place back in January where the staff chose Goldberry to provide the shop’s coffee. In July, the Jville Daily Grind opened its doors.
Since the shop opened, Cordes said it has provided a gathering place for the village.
Most of the decor inside the shop was donated by Jeromesville citizens, with historic photos of the village hanging in the coffee shop. The old Bodager Hardware sign still features prominently on one of the walls.
“We centered it on the community, so the community’s been pretty supportive,” Cordes said.
The community showed up at the shop Friday morning, as the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate its opening.
Growing Jeromesville
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller attended the ribbon cutting, sharing his story of growing up in Jeromesville. He remembered buying a T-Rex toy from Bodager Hardware with a $10 bill his grandma had given him.
Now, he said, the place he grew up in is working to grow. Growing the village, Miller said, is a matter of putting the right people in the right places.
“In Ashland, the growth has been spurred by citizens buying old buildings and putting businesses in,” Miller said, listing examples like South Street Grille and Ohio Fire.
The same is happening with Cordes’ new business in Jeromesville, according to Miller. More growth could be on the way in Jeromesville, too.
Miller told the crowd the land bank — which he acts as president of — demolished the building next door. Cordes has plans for that property, too.
Miller also spoke on behalf of State Rep. Melanie Miller, giving a proclamation from the State House to Cordes. Amy Daubenspeck, president of the Chamber, gave a certificate to Cordes too.
Cordes’ daughter, Alyssa, said managing the shop has also offered her a chance to learn more about her community’s history. She said locals come in with stories every day — and the 21-year-old plans on sticking around to keep learning.