Foodie Fridays: Joplin Avenue Coffee Company

One of the things I love most about Joplin is its abundance of great places to eat.  Over the years the local restaurant scene, much like the local art scene, has grown and flourished.  Just about every cuisine imaginable can be found in this small city - Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, barbecue, sushi – you name it, we have a local chef who specializes in it.  Here on “Foodie Fridays” I will choose a local restaurant, specialty store, or chef to highlight and share some of my thoughts on why I think they are successful and how they enhance our community with their artistry.

So, you guys all know how much I love coffee, right?  (Nod your heads up and down….)  AND how much I love music?  Well, it should come as no surprise to you, then, to learn that I am absolutely mad about Joplin Ave. Coffee Co, which opened on April 10, 2012.  Located at 506 Joplin Ave., Joplin Ave. Coffee Co. is a retro-inspired coffee house that features delicious espresso drinks (I tried the caramel macchiato – delish!), refreshing blended frozen beverages, Italian sodas, specialty teas, and various freshly prepared pastries ad sweets from Joplin's own Garrett's Bakery.  AND, starting this Saturday evening, Joplin Ave. Coffee Co. will host live music from local performers!   

The delectable sweets at JACC

 

I was introduced to owner Kristy Warner and JACC when I played there for April’s Third Thursday Art Walk.  At the time, JACC had only been open for a week but they had already developed a loyal following, and rightfully so.  The shop is artfully decorated, the menu is extremely creative, and the staff is top-notch.  By agreeing to be a host for the Art Walk, Joplin Ave. Coffee Co. immediately established itself as a local enterprise committed to supporting the local arts.  In the short time they have been open they have also sponsored events such as the Walk MS Marathon and look forward to hosting an adopt-a-thon for the Joplin Humane Society and the upcoming MS 150.

“Not Your Average Joe”

Joplin Ave. Coffee Co. strives to provide an inviting atmosphere where people can go and feel connected to each other and the community.  Kristy encourages her staff to foster their creativity by challenging them to prepare a new drink combination each day.  Drinks such as the refreshing “Cherry Lewis” and the decadent “Lime in the Coconut” are one-of-a-kind creations that demonstrate the imaginative use of ingredients that is the hallmark of Joplin Ave. Coffee Co. baristas.  You name it, they can – and will – make it for you.

JACC Baristas

JACC encourages customers to come inside and just hang out and relax for a while.  Each week the coffee house hosts various events designed to allow customers the opportunity to interact with each other.  On “Monopoly Mondays” customers can come individually or in groups and participate in various board game tournaments.  Beginning this Sunday, June 3^rd, the coffee shop will be open on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.  This weekend also kicks off the Saturday live music series, with none other than yours truly scheduled as the debut performer!

Joplin Ave. Coffee Co.

What makes Joplin Ave. Coffee Co. different from the other nationally owned coffee shops in town is its ability to be flexible in its offerings.  Special requests are welcome, and even encouraged, and the owner and staff are constantly developing new menu items and events that will keep their customers returning time and again for an opportunity to relax and reconnect.  As Kristy says, “We think of our customers as our friends.  We want them to feel welcome and comfortable here and to know that we listen to their suggestions and ideas.” 

Make plans to stop by Joplin Ave. Coffee Co. for a delicious beverage and to meet Kristy and her staff for yourself.  I will be performing there this Saturday, June 2, from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m., and I look forward to seeing you there!