When Java Jamboree owner Jessica Johnston posted a letter on the shop’s Facebook page Jan. 14 that they would be closing, the reaction was huge – shared nearly 80 times and commented on by almost 100 people.
The letter stated that it has ‘been made virtually impossible’ for Java Jamboree to continue to run their business ‘in a sustainable way.’ It goes on to say that their rent ‘continues to increase with little to no consideration for these small, independently owned businesses.’
But Jennifer Lane and Brandy Hoffman did more than just comment on the disappointing news – they took action. As of April 1, Lane and Hoffman will be the new owners of the local coffee shop.
Lane said when she heard the news via social media that the store would close she went into Java that day and asked for Johnston’s email address.
“It was a sad day in Java the day I came in. You could see the disappointment on the staff and clients faces everywhere you turned. Seeing that made me feel ever more confident in my decision and I emailed Jessica immediately,” she said. Lane and Johnston had several meetings discussing options for ‘keeping the dream alive.’ She said they decided the best option would be for Lane and Hoffman to purchase the company, something that Lane said is a ‘humbling idea’ to have the ‘opportunity to support this amazing space in the community.’
Lane owns an information and systems management consulting firm called Right Lane Enterprise Ltd. and Hoffman works as an operator up north. She said they would both maintain their jobs, but both would be a constant in the café.
An announcement was posted on the Java Jamboree Facebook page Feb. 13 and once again there was a huge reaction. In the post they stated that they have ‘some pretty amazing ideas’ that they would like to bring both to the café and the town.
In the long term, Lane said to expect a ‘beautiful existing coffee shop by day and a wine bar by night serving specialty wines, local craft beer and tapas style food items.’ She said they envision having the same relaxing atmosphere and possibly some live acoustic music a couple of nights a week.
There will be a ‘keeping the dream alive’ celebration April 4 at Java Jamboree celebrating ‘that Java will live on’ with free coffee and cupcakes that day.
Lane said if anyone has questions or concerns that her and Hoffman would be happy to answer them. She can be contacted at [email protected] and 403-975-9377.
