
GROU Coffee Co-Founder Honored at George E. Merrick Awards for Community Building
GROU Coffee co-founder Barbara Safina receives the George E. Merrick Award for Excellence in Community Building, celebrating innovation and connection in Coral Gables.
Proud Moment for GROU Coffee: Barbara Safina Honored at George E. Merrick Awards
At GROU Coffee + Cowork, community has always been at the heart of what we do. We are proud to share that our co-founder, Barbara Safina, has been recognized as a Community Builder at the prestigious George E. Merrick Awards of Excellence in Coral Gables, representing GROU alongside incredible Coral Gables professionals. What an honor! Special thanks to Jorge Martinez, Jose Tirador, Maria D. Garcia, Allen Morris, and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce for this inspiring recognition.

This honor celebrates Barbara's vision of creating more than just a coffee space. Her goal has always been to build a place where people connect, ideas thrive, and innovation grows. Through her leadership, GROU Coffee + Cowork has become a hub for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and local culture.
We also congratulate fellow honorees Kat Barrow-Horth and Kris Kimball & Jason Spiegel, whose work in philanthropy and innovation inspires our community to reach new heights.
At GROU, this recognition reflects not only Barbara's dedication but also the entire team and community that make our mission possible.
Here's to building stronger connections, sparking creativity, and driving innovation, right here in Coral Gables. If you visit us often, join our loyalty program and be part of the GROU community.
More from GROU: Order fresh-roasted beans and merch from the GROU shop, book a desk, meeting room or private office at GROU Cowork in Coral Gables, or see the menu.
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