Higher Ground Coffee Shop

Higher Ground Coffee Shop, located at 230 US-18 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, SD 57770, is a locally owned and operated community coffee shop founded in May 2005 by Belva Thunder Hawk Matthews of the Oglala Sioux. The business was established in a former parsonage that was renovated with support from members of the Gospel Fellowship Church and community volunteers. In addition to serving coffee, espresso, smoothies, baked goods, and home-cooked breakfast and lunch, Higher Ground has been recognized as a faith-based gathering place that prioritizes community over profit — earning honors such as the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month and the 2007 Magnificent Seven Cultural Entrepreneurship Award.