New coffee stand opens in Cedarhurst Park
Woodmere resident Esther Miller won the village's RFP process to run the park's first concession stand.
A new concession stand called Common Grounds has opened in Cedarhurst Park, selling coffee, packaged snacks, icees, ice cream and pretzels. The kiosk is run by Woodmere resident Esther Miller, who was awarded the concession through a Village of Cedarhurst Request for Proposals process finalized at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 11, according to the Nassau Herald. Village Administrator Jacob Plaut said Miller submitted the only proposal and that it met all compliance requirements.
Miller said she noticed the empty park space, walked into Village Hall to ask about it, and the idea developed from there. She described wanting to create a family-friendly gathering spot rather than just a food stand, saying she believes people need comfort and connection along with goods and services.
Plaut said the concession agreement includes an annual license fee of $18,000 and allows for seasonal adjustments depending on conditions. Miller, who has previously run a children's clothing business and worked in nonprofit financial and career counseling, said she hopes to keep the stand open year-round when weather and village approvals allow. She said the name Common Grounds refers to the park grounds, coffee grounds and the shared common ground among visitors from different backgrounds.