What was once a burger joint in Montclair, NJ is now the third location of Java Love Coffee Roasting, a popular roaster-retailer serving the North Jersey community. Because it’s likely they’re a little sick of hearing about it, we will only briefly mention that Montclair is home to several ‘The Sopranos’ filming locations, and that Carmela Soprano herself briefly attended Montclair State (to say nothing of poor Eric Scatino). TV progrums and movies aside, Java Love has made a name for itself in Montclair by not following trends, and pursuing its own distinct vision of coffee inclusivity and quality. This new cafe looks like it’s going to be awesome—let’s take a closer look.
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, and Ghirardelli.
As told to Sprudge by Jodie Dawson.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
We are a small-batch, women-owned, LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise certified roaster, established in 2011, with a roastery, two cafes, e-commerce, wholesale, and toll roasting. This will be our third cafe in Montclair, NJ. We focus on sustainable sourcing as well as many eco-friendly practices such as discounts for resusables for drinks and beans, compost all our grounds, and use compostable single-use products. We hire for diversity and create safe spaces in our community and are known as leaders in our town for investing our time and donations to education, the arts, and LGBTQ+ advancing initiatives. AND, we have some bad ass coffee!!
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
We are converting a 400-square-foot burger joint to a full-fledged cafe with our complete beverage menu as well as a hood and grill top for fresh, made to order breakfast and lunch options as well as all natural smoothies. We source our baked goods from local bakeries and put a premium on local, fresh, and healthy options. We are in the process of renovating and just completed a new floor and painting.
What’s your approach to coffee?
We don’t follow trends. We have been in the business for 13 years and have seen trends come and go. Our customers value our consistency in flavor profiles and offerings. We start with a high quality bean, sourced with integrity to the farmers and environment, and roast in small batches to maintain the flavor integrity of each batch. We are a certified fair trade and rainforest alliance roaster and, for our 10th anniversary, highlighted only women producer coffees.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Sanremo F18, La Marzocco Linea, Bunn brewer, Bunn bulk grinder, ice machines, refrigeration, etc.
How is your project considering sustainability?
As a business, we put a premium on sustainable practices. We pay to have all of our grounds composted and mentioned some other practices above. In our decor, we use recylced wood for all of our shops as well as reuse shipping container materials.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Shaun Killman Designs—we have worked with Shaun for all of our shops and he has helped us create our aesthetic. He is masterful and using upcylced and recycled materials and has helped us with that sustainable portion of our build outs.
Thank you!
Thanks!
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, and Ghirardelli.
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Sprudge Staff
July 23, 2024
