Thursday, October 1, 2026
A new concession stand has officially opened in Cedarhurst Park, bringing coffee, snacks and a gathering place for residents under a concept its owner says is rooted in community connection.
Woodmere resident Esther Miller is behind Common Grounds, the park’s new food kiosk, which was awarded through a Village of Cedarhurst Request for Proposals (RFP) process finalized at the Village Board of Trustees meeting on May 11. Village Administrator Jacob Plaut confirmed Miller was the only submission and said the proposal met all compliance requirements.
Miller said the idea grew out of her search for a business that blended food, comfort and community interaction.
“I drove by the park and thought, what is with that space?” Miller said. “I just walked into Village Hall that moment and asked what the story was. From there, it all started to come together.”
The concession stand offers coffee, packaged snacks, icees, ice cream, pretzels and other grab-and-go items, with Miller emphasizing a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere designed for park visitors throughout the day.
“I really believe the world doesn’t just need goods or services, it needs a hug,” she said. “Food is comfort. People come in, they’re happy, they talk, they share stories. That’s what I wanted to create.”
The kiosk has already drawn enthusiastic reactions from residents.
“I’ve lived here 30 years and I’ve never seen it open,” Miller recalled hearing from customers. “People say, ‘This is amazing, best idea ever. Are you open every day? Can you stay open year-round?’ The feedback has been extraordinary.”
Miller said the concept for Common Grounds also reflects lessons from her earlier career in retail, nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship. Over the years, she has owned a children’s clothing business, expanded into storefront operations along Central Avenue and later transitioned into nonprofit work, including financial and career counseling programs.
“I’ve started businesses from my home, moved into stores, and built things step by step,” she said. “Each experience taught me something that brought me here.”
She said those experiences shaped her approach to launching the concession stand, which she hopes will operate year-round when possible, depending on weather and village approvals.
Plaut noted the concession agreement includes an annual license fee of $18,000 and allows for seasonal adjustments based on conditions, with compliance aligned to village regulations.
For Miller, the project represents more than a business venture — it is a culmination of years of personal and professional growth.
“Everything I’ve done led to this,” she said. “Even the challenges. I truly believe things happen right on time.”
She also said the stand’s name carries multiple meanings: the park grounds, the coffee grounds, and the idea of shared “common ground” among community members.
“We’re all here in the same park, from different backgrounds, but we have so much in common,” she said. “Everyone is welcome. That’s the heart of it.”
As the stand continues its first season, Miller said she is focused on consistency, customer experience and building something that becomes a staple of daily life in Cedarhurst Park.
“I just want people to come in, feel good, and feel connected,” she said. “That’s what Common Grounds is all about.”
