Ground-A-Bout
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
How we handle information collected through our phone assistant and SMS program, and the terms under which that service is offered.
Effective date: July 15, 2026
Who we are
Ground-A-Bout is a coffee shop and roastery with locations in Jackson, Missouri, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, including a drive-thru location and a location inside Saint Francis Medical Center. Ground-A-Bout works with Afern AI, a technology provider, to operate its phone assistant and SMS messaging system on its behalf. This policy applies to communications sent through that phone assistant and SMS messaging program.
Information we collect
When a customer calls one of our locations, our phone assistant may collect the phone number used to place the call, the content of the conversation for the purpose of providing service and improving accuracy, and any rmation the customer chooses to share during the call, such as an order or a request for a callback. If a customer agrees to receive a text message, we also collect their mobile phone number for that purpose. If a customer subscribes to our website newsletter, we collect the email address they provide for that purpose.
How we use information
We use this information to respond to customer calls, to send requested follow-up information such as menu links, store hours, or confirmation that a team member will call back, and to improve the quality and accuracy of our phone assistant. With a customer's consent, we may also send occasional messages about loyalty programs, promotions, or special offers. Newsletter email addresses are used only to send the updates a customer signed up to receive.
SMS consent and opt in
Customers opt in to receive text messages verbally, during a phone call to one of our locations. Our phone assistant asks whether the customer would like to receive a text with follow-up information or occasional promotional offers, and only sends a message after the customer agrees. No customer is enrolled in text messaging without this verbal consent.
Message frequency
Message frequency varies based on customer interaction and may include a small number of messages per month. Message and data rates may apply, depending on the customer's mobile carrier and plan.
Opting out
Customers may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. After opting out, customers will receive no further messages unless they opt back in. Customers may reply HELP to any message to receive assistance or additional information about the program.
No sharing of mobile numbers for third party marketing
Ground-A-Bout and Afern AI do not sell, rent, or share customer mobile phone numbers with third parties for their own marketing purposes. Mobile information is used solely to provide the SMS services described in this policy and is not shared with third parties for unrelated purposes.
Data security
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect customer information collected through our phone and SMS systems. While no system can be guaranteed completely secure, we take reasonable steps to protect customer data from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Updating or correcting your information
Customers who would like to update, correct, or remove their information from our systems may contact us at the email address below.
Terms of service
By providing verbal consent during a phone call, customers agree to receive text messages from Ground-A-Bout as described in this policy. This service is provided as a courtesy, and Ground-A-Bout may modify, pause, or discontinue the SMS program at any time. These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Missouri.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. The most current version will always be available through the link provided by Ground-A-Bout.
Contact us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or Terms of Service, or about Ground-A-Bout's SMS program, please contact us at info@afernai.com.
Questions about this policy? Reach us at info@afernai.com
Ground-A-Bout · Jackson · Marquette · Drive Thru · Saint Francis Medical Center