GRIDLEY, IL — Some drivers make a point of detouring to Gridley for dessert, and not just once. At Common Grounds Cafe & Pie Shop, a former gas station has been turned into a busy stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and slices of homemade pie.
The shop has built a strong following in central Illinois by pairing a friendly atmosphere with a rotating menu that keeps regulars guessing. Its drive-thru helps travelers and commuters move quickly, while the dining room gives others a place to linger.
With a 4.8-star Google rating from more than 330 reviews, the cafe has become one of those small-town businesses that draws visitors from nearby communities and farther away. Many customers say the trip is worth it for the pie alone.
A former gas station turned neighborhood gathering place
Common Grounds Cafe & Pie Shop sits at 102 W Gridley Rd. The building’s past life as a gas station is still part of the appeal, but today the focus is on food and conversation instead of fuel.
The layout still includes a drive-thru, which makes it easy for people to pick up coffee on a tight schedule. Parking is available, and part of the lot is gravel, so visitors are advised to plan for that when they arrive.
What might look like an ordinary roadside stop has become a place where people gather for lunch meetings, quick errands, and relaxed catch-ups. The shift from pumps to pie has given the spot a memorable second act.
Katrina and Kyle Reinhard built the cafe around hospitality
The business is owned by Katrina and Kyle Reinhard, a couple who have made personal service part of the cafe’s identity. Regular customers often describe the place as welcoming and say the owners help create a sense of community.
Katrina is known for adding new menu items and drink flavors, which keeps the offerings fresh for repeat visitors. She also responds to many online comments herself, often with a warm thank-you and a direct sign-off.
That kind of attention matters in a town like Gridley, where people notice when a business remembers them. The cafe has become a place where locals, travelers, and friends passing through can all feel at home.
Rotating pies keep regulars coming back for another slice
Pie is the star of the menu, and the selection changes often. Guests never quite know what will be in the case on a given day, which adds to the appeal.
Favorites include key lime, coconut cream, chocolate cream, and raspberry cream. A German family recipe for kuchen also appears on the menu, with a buttery crust and custard filling that connect the shop to its heritage.
Whole pies are available at times, including from the freezer section, making it easy to bring dessert home for a family meal. Customers often order lunch first and leave with a box of slices for later.
Coffee, quiche, and breakfast give the menu more than dessert
While pie gets the headlines, the cafe also serves Gobena Coffee, a brand roasted locally that supports orphan care around the world. Bags of beans are sold in the shop, giving customers a way to take the coffee home.
The drink list includes lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffee, chai, steamers, and frozen hot cocoa. Seasonal drinks and playful flavors, such as a banana cream latte, keep the menu from feeling routine.
Quiche is another standout, with options like Country Ham and Cowboy Quiche earning praise. Breakfast items such as biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches help make the cafe a morning destination as well.
Lunch, take-home food, and a room for local events round out the business
Lunch brings sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads to the table. Popular orders include the BLT Chicken Salad on a croissant, turkey on a pretzel roll, beef and cheddar on ciabatta, and a strawberry citrus salad.
The cafe also keeps a freezer stocked with take-home items such as pot pies, along with whole pies for customers who want dessert without waiting. The cooler includes milk from a dairy in nearby Fairbury, and shelves hold homemade gifts and coffee beans.
Beyond the counter, a Community Room is available for pie tastings, bridal showers, and other gatherings. The cafe has also catered wedding receptions, giving local families another reason to keep it in mind for celebrations.
Early hours, patio seating, and a loyal following help define the stop
Common Grounds opens at 6 a.m. Tuesday through Friday and at 8 a.m. on Saturday, then closes at 2 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday, so visitors need to plan ahead if they want pie or lunch.
Prices generally run about $10 to $20 per person, and customers say the food and service make the cost worthwhile. The cafe’s cozy interior includes leather armchairs and a fireplace, while a front patio offers outdoor seating when weather allows.
Families, solo travelers, and road trippers all fit in here, and even dogs have been welcomed on the patio. For many visitors, the combination of homemade food, kind service, and a converted gas station setting makes the trip feel like more than a meal.