Anne Bryant
Visionary of Uncommon Grounds

Anne grew up in the restaurant and pub scene in England. Her family owned a few places such as "The Mermaid" and The Gypsy's Tent. She learned to cook and experience the operations of a successful establishment early on. It became her passion.

She later moved to the United States and worked as an Operations Manager in the food and restaurant business. The stress of working for other businesses lead Anne to create her own "stress release" stores, along with a wholesale essential oils company. Anne also designed products for World Science and Natural wonders.

In 2000, Anne became a Certified International Aromatheripist, and incorporated all of her passions with aromatherapy, massage, food, music, arts and crafts to create the first of its kind, in Boonton, New Jersey, a multi-sensory experience... the Aroma Bar. This new and inventive concept caught the attention of the Associated Press, New York Times, and CBS Television.

The results... The Uncommon-Grounds Chill Out Lounge, Bar/Boutique/Restaurant/Aromatherapy.

Anne's concept for Uncommon Grounds had already proven itself as a success in New Jersey, prior to relocation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as a unique Cafe that served gourmet coffees, teas and desserts. The decor was an eclectic collection of personal world collectibles, and everything had a story and a meaning. There was live music four nights in the staged Buddha Lounge, a unique boutique with everything for the metaphysicals from "A"ngels to "Z"en.

Uncommon Grounds, lovingly called UG by the throngs of patrons, was ready to grow again. Anne upgraded the Cafe into a Restaurant without losing the uniqueness and the coziness, and introduced gourmet quiches, soups, and amazing avant guard salads. The dessert menu increased to 16 decadent experiences with flavored coffees and infused teas. And, after a very short time, UG was ready to grow and expand again!

Lydia Damato
A nice Italian girl from new Jersey!

Lydia graduated from Montclair State University with a B.S. degree in Commercial Recreation Tourism and Travel, and worked in the corporate world for twenty-five years, nineteen of which was with Bloomingdale's Department Store.

Rev. Maxi Harper
UG's in-house: Web & Logo Designer, Business Development and Interior Space Designer
www.marhatis.com
maxiharper@att.net

How the Owners of Uncommon Grounds Met

In 2001, Lydia met Anne Bryant of Uncommon Grounds Chill Out Lounge, in Boonton, New Jersey. Lydia's status from faithful patron bloomed into a part-time position at the Uncommon-Grounds establishment. The two women found that they worked well together, and a business relationship began to bud.

Feeling a need for the business to expand and grow, the two did not find a new home for UG in Boonton, that had the unique energy needed to match and exceed their current location. The two business ladies decided to try something wild. They took a week trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and instantly feel in love with the location, the culture, the people and the tropical climate. Just like the magic that happens to those who come to Puerto Vallarta and say, "Wouldn't it be wonderful; to live here and have all this year round?" BAM! the idea was born and a game plan pursued.

Now back in Boonton, they continued to build the concept for the new location and visited Puerto Vallarta several times in the following two and a half years. Each time they visited, they walked the town to see possible locations for the new UG. They contacted a realtor, looked at places for rent, wrote down anything that had a for rent sign and two days before their departure back to the U.S., and with hope begone... BAM! Again!

A four story building with a large first level with all the space and facilities needed for a restaurant presented itself with the message of this needs work but we can make it our UG. This place had everything they were looking for... breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Palm lush jungle, nine block from Banderas and her famous golden sand the turquoise surf beaches. The building location was right at the bend of the Cuale River that wrapped around the building, and the local demographics of 60% locals, 15% Americans, and 10% Canadians, and 15% European and others, was the perfect mix of year-round inhabitants, plus the on-onslaught of the seasonal and snow-bird tourists. It was theirs, and they bought it!

Construction began in December 2005, and the grand opening was on July 4th, 2006, with a surprisingly, and welcomed, large group of well-wishers and new patrons.

UG Today
After five years of success, UG has undergone yet another construction to expand the bar and events areas, along with a new web site, customized music, events calendar, divine food offerings, and mixology. The opening season of the NEW UG is on November 2nd, 2011! Please enjoy the before and after original UG photos from 2005-2006, and the newly redesigned before and after 2011 UG photos. Also view the new "Food Offerings" menu page and the "Mixology" page. And the calendar of events... in fact just read the entire web site, or just come on in and have a Martini!

~

December 2005 ~ Beginning construction

July 2006 ~ Opening

November 2011 ~ Evolved Uncommon Grounds