Short Summary

Hey y’all! Bryson and Meagan Funk, here. Anyone who knows us also knows that in everything we do we look through the lens of building community and showing people the love of Jesus. Well,. We’ve got the itch to create something new and even bigger than anything we have done before! Enter Grounded – a new concept which provides a place for everyone to gather, belong and create lasting memories!

Why Grounded, and why a lounge? After a few years of traveling, and sitting in some of the most unique places, we wanted to bring the enjoyment of ‘being’ back to our hometown. Life always seems busy with so much demanding out attention- we want Grounded to be a resting place. Since a ‘resting place’, and somewhere to slow down doesn’t pay the rent, we decided to incorporate two of our favorite things: plants and precious minerals. All of this causes us to slow down and be present, escaping the hustle and bustle if only for an evening. But we hope you’ll make Grounded your third place! 

We chose Mesquite not only because of its charm, but because it is rapidly evolving  and growing as people from all over the USA relocate to the metroplex. Grounded not only provides a unique experience for newcomers, and visitors (hey, rodeo goers!), but also lifelong residents who have watched this special gem of a city change and grow over the decades. 

Mesquite’s “Third Place” (your home away from home), Grounded, is for anyone looking for rest and relaxation, and perhaps, to pick up a new hobby or two whether that be caring for plants, collecting raw minerals and crystals, or settling in for some good wine and conversation, and of course, the best live music the metroplex has to offer!

Here is where YOU come in!

This is bigger than anything we have ever done – and we are absolutely up for the challenge. The financial lift is our biggest area of opportunity for support. Our entrepreneur goals are larger-than-life and Grounded is just the beginning! By giving to this campaign, you are helping us to get a few steps closer to achieving those goals as well as sowing into the growth of up-and-coming city, Mesquite; a place dedicated to supporting small businesses, community growth and the arts. Everything we care about!

What We Need & What You Get

• We need $250,000 to open the Grounded doors. Here’s where those funds are going:
  • Building Renovation – The design of Grounded is unique and unlike anything that exists. Our building is historic and was built in the 1920s, so while we want to preserve and respect the structure, there is a lot for us to build out in order to transform the property. 
  • Furniture, merchandising units, flooring
  • Kitchen Equipment – Grounded is not a restaurant, but does require a kitchen space in order for us to serve beverages and a limited food menu
  • Retail and Lounge POS System
  • Security System
  • Marketing – Photos and video content, advertising, and printed collateral 
  • Permits/licenses, fees, inspections
  • First round of inventory
• Full perks are listed in the giving tiers, but there are some great things up for grabs like private reservations, custom glassware, and a 10-year discount – what?!
• If we don’t reach our full goal with this campaign, our next step is to pursue private investors, and finally a bank loan for the remaining amount. 

The Impact

• We have always wanted to provide a space for people to be. This is our opportunity to make that a reality – and we have the drive to make it happen!
• Your support will cause a massive ripple effect in the City of Mesquite and beyond. We want to be the pioneers of a new era for the area, and know this is the first step towards creating something truly unique. 
• If you’re reading any of this, you have likely experienced something that we were involved in where we were one piece of a puzzle working toward something great. 

Risks & Challenges

• We have endured hard times, and built our own businesses in the past. This is the next level of achievement for us as we strive to create a lasting impact on a whole city, and leave our mark on the place we call home. 
• There will be a learning curve when it comes to serving food and beverages, and we also have people that we trust who are experts in that field that we will lean on.

Other Ways You Can Help

• Share, share, share! The further our campaign goes, the more likely we are to find people who believe in what we are doing  and can give. 
• If you know an Investor that wants to partner with us financially, please connect them to us via email at: hello@groundedloungetx.com. Please only serious connections at this time.