CoGro’s Silver Jubilee: Common Ground Coffeehouse Turns 25!
Since opening its doors in 1999, CoGro has been a cornerstone of campus life. What started as a small café named The Brew has grown into the joyous, community-focused coffeehouse we know and love today! Located on the second floor of the Queen’s Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC) and operated by the Alma Mater Society (AMS), CoGro has always been about more than just great coffee: it’s been a space for students to connect, study, and recharge in a homey environment.
To celebrate this special anniversary, CoGro is hosting a week-long 25th Birthday Celebration from November 3–7, and you’re invited to join the fun! There’s so much exciting things going on, read more about them below!
Here’s What’s Happening Throughout the Week:
Limited-Edition Birthday Menu: Try the Birthday White Mocha or Vanilla and Caramel Swirl Birthday Cake. When you buy either of these special treats, you’ll be automatically entered into the CoGro 25th Birthday Giveaway!
25% Off Premades All Week: Stock up on your CoGro favourites at a discount, the perfect way to fuel long study sessions!
Birthday Open Mic: Friday, November 7: Wrap up the celebration with live music and good vibes in the CoGro Lounge!
This milestone also marks an exciting new chapter in CoGro’s story. In September 2025, CoGro officially welcomed its sister café, The Brew, located in the newly reopened JDUC. The Brew pays homage to CoGro’s original name while expanding the AMS coffee family and offering even more cozy study and hangout spaces for students.
From early-morning coffee runs to after class study breaks, CoGro has been at the heart of campus life for 25 years. Whether you’ve been coming here since first year or just discovered it this semester, this celebration is for you!
Follow @cogro_ams on Instagram for giveaway updates, open mic details, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the week.
Here’s to 25 years of CoGro, and many more to come!