Getting “coffee with integrity” can’t be found everywhere, but luckily, it can be found at Java Love located at 244 Bellevue Avenue and at 49 Church Street in Montclair. This local coffee is a women-owned spot and is owned + operated by Montclair residents. By providing the neighborhood with top-quality coffee and a space to call ‘home,’ the shop has become a staple in the Montclair area. Read on to learn more about what we love about Java Love – a charming, community-filled coffee shop in Montclair.
The Story
This upcoming May marks the 12-year anniversary of when Jodie Dawson and Kristine Petrik decided to open Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. Before opening Java Love, Jodie Dawson and Kristine Petrik were living life in the Catskills. Dawson was a clinical psychologist and Petrik worked in journalism for CNN. The duo created Java Love — due to the lack of good coffee that was near their home in Upstate New York. Soon enough, they opened a small shop in 2011, and with tons of passion, hard work, and that much-needed caffeine they were able to make Java Love what it is today.
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In 2013, the couple was inspired to open up a shop in Montclair when they noticed that there weren’t many specialty coffee shops in town. “We saw a need for a community-focused coffee shop where people could work from “home,” have meetings, meet friends and neighbors over a great cup of coffee,” Dawson told Montclair Girl. As they have expanded they have made it their mission to continue to grow without giving up their quality.
“At Java Love, we serve coffee made from beans roasted just a few days before,” said Petrik, “you can seriously taste and appreciate the difference.”
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The Experience
Stepping into Java Love isn’t like stepping into any coffee shop where you just get your coffee and go. Java Love offers a community — a place to hold business meetings, for kids to hang out; it’s a family-friendly space for all. In the warmer months, pups are allowed outside as you sip some beverages and relax in the Adirondack chairs outside.
As Jodie said, “ We offer an ‘all are welcome,’ come-as-you-are mentality in a down-to-earth, accessible environment. If you don’t know what the difference between a latte or a cappuccino is, we will gladly help you out. No judgments!” Go for the coffee and stay for the atmosphere, you won’t regret it.
The coffee company also partners with local and state agencies for workforce development, donating when possible to meaningful causes, and assists with food scarcity organizations.
The Menu
There is something for everyone at Java Love — even for the non-coffee lovers! There’s coffee {of course}, tea, decaf, espresso, blends, and more.
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But the Bad Ass Brew is one of Java Love’s most popular items — it’s a dark roast that contains a four-bean blend, resulting in a flavor-forward, deep bold note, smooth finish with just a touch of sweetness. And for all the sweet-tooth lovers out there *cough, cough,* there are monuts {buttermilk muffins that are rolled in cinnamon and sugar, and some are even filled with nutella}.
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Aside from its bakery, Java Love also provides a breakfast and lunch menu which includes gluten-free and vegan options. The owners also let us in on a little secret: all of the Java Love baristas create their own specialty drinks every season, and the old ones go on a secret menu. There are customers that have been ordering their favorites from this menu for years. Now you know!
It’s clear that over the last 10 years, Java Love has been a crucial spot in Montclair that values love, growth, and community. As Dawson and Petrik like to say, “We hope to be spreading the love one bean at a time.’”
