Ground Control Coffee announced its closeure at the end of December 2023 in a post to its social media sites on Sunday, Nov. 18 stating the café's landlord decided not to renew its lease.

Ground Control was founded in 2007 by Sean and Tara Rassas in Goodyear, with a focus on fine wine, locally roasted coffee, craft beer and food. In 2012, the café relocated to 4860 N. Litchfield Road in Litchfield Park to expand its kitchen and add wood-fired pizzas. The draft beer selection also grew from 6 taps to 27.

That same year, Ian Harwell, a longtime customer and friend of the Rassas family, joined the business as the, “Beer Guy,” and quickly became a central figure in the café’s operations. In 2019, after 12 years of building the café's brand, Sean and Tara Rassas transferred ownership to Ian and Stephanie Harwell. Since then, the Harwells have continued to expand Ground Control’s offerings and build its reputation as a place for craft food and drinks, along with supporting other local small businesses.

Ground Control has been known for hosting community events, including wine tastings on Tuesdays, team trivia on Wednesdays and live music on select Friday evenings.

Although the café will close its current location, the Harwells stated they are planning for a future reopening. “We’re working on plans for a comeback,” the Harwells stated. “Things are in motion for a bigger and better future.”

Ground Control’s final day of operation at its Litchfield Park location will be Friday, Dec. 13, with a farewell celebration featuring live music by Los Gringos Band, who will perform one last show.

“We want to thank everyone for their incredible support over the years,” the Harwells stated. “We’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished here, and we’re excited for the future.”

Ground Control will continue to serve customers until its final day in December and plans to reopen in a new location at a later date.

Visit groundxcontrol.com for more information.