Change in store for local businesses
The new java jockey
Sarah Zeeck
Issue date: 7/9/08 Section: News
From the outside, Macomb's Little Java House has maintained its bright, gingerbread-like exterior; however, patrons will find new owner Jason Buchannan working to renovate the facility. Buchannan, the sole employee this summer, started working for Little Java House five months prior to gaining ownership on June 1.
Still true to its name, Little Java House provides a small, cozy atmosphere for its customers to indulge their coffee, tea, and smoothie needs within. Buchannan said he is currently working on interior alterations to the facility, including new tables, fresh paint on the walls and other aesthetic changes. "I'm using the same coffee though," he said. "I don't want to change that. I'm just trying to change the scenery and how comfortable it is here."
Little Java House's menu includes more than just coffee. "We offer one of the bigger varieties of sugar-free syrups, bubble teas, smoothies, ice cream drinks and tons and tons of lattes," Buchannan said.
"We're starting to get pastries like cinnamon rolls and things like muffins and bagels," he added. "We want to grow on that side too."
Buchannan said he also wanted to consider adding televisions in the facility, converting the loft on the upper floor into a study lounge for students and adding a patio outside. Currently, the house is already equipped with WiFi capabilities. "It's a lot of little changes, but it all makes a difference and takes time," he said.
Since he has taken over, Buchannan said business has been good. "This is supposed to be the deadest time of year, and we still have good numbers," he said, adding that he would consider extending hours if the demand necessitated such a change. "I see a lot of familiar faces, but I also see a lot of new faces, which excites me."
Buchannan added that he did differ from his competition vastly. "I'm not as fancy as Adams Street, I'm not as popular as Sullivan Taylor … but I want to turn this into a nice, little, comfortable environment for both sides - people that live in town and students," he said. "The atmosphere's great; we're like the Mayberry of coffeehouses in Macomb."
Little Java House is located at 814 W. Jackson St., and summer hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Still true to its name, Little Java House provides a small, cozy atmosphere for its customers to indulge their coffee, tea, and smoothie needs within. Buchannan said he is currently working on interior alterations to the facility, including new tables, fresh paint on the walls and other aesthetic changes. "I'm using the same coffee though," he said. "I don't want to change that. I'm just trying to change the scenery and how comfortable it is here."
Little Java House's menu includes more than just coffee. "We offer one of the bigger varieties of sugar-free syrups, bubble teas, smoothies, ice cream drinks and tons and tons of lattes," Buchannan said.
"We're starting to get pastries like cinnamon rolls and things like muffins and bagels," he added. "We want to grow on that side too."
Buchannan said he also wanted to consider adding televisions in the facility, converting the loft on the upper floor into a study lounge for students and adding a patio outside. Currently, the house is already equipped with WiFi capabilities. "It's a lot of little changes, but it all makes a difference and takes time," he said.
Since he has taken over, Buchannan said business has been good. "This is supposed to be the deadest time of year, and we still have good numbers," he said, adding that he would consider extending hours if the demand necessitated such a change. "I see a lot of familiar faces, but I also see a lot of new faces, which excites me."
Buchannan added that he did differ from his competition vastly. "I'm not as fancy as Adams Street, I'm not as popular as Sullivan Taylor … but I want to turn this into a nice, little, comfortable environment for both sides - people that live in town and students," he said. "The atmosphere's great; we're like the Mayberry of coffeehouses in Macomb."
Little Java House is located at 814 W. Jackson St., and summer hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
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