For ten years, Java Love Coffee Bar has been serving up Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified organic small-batch artisan coffee. The women-owned, Montclair-based company is dedicated to community connection and quality coffee done right. The Montclair locations, in downtown and Upper Montclair, are a favorite spot for locals to meet up and work from home. Now, they’ve opened a new location in Suffern in a former bank building.
Owners Jodie Dawson and Kristine-Ellis Petrik created the brand out of a need to stay properly caffeinated in the Catskills where they lived. They’ve been on a mission ever since to bring their “Coffee with Integrity” concept to as many people as possible. The business is now a regional provider of artisanally roasted, small-batch coffee with four locations and a growing online presence, as well as a wholesale distribution that includes six Whole Foods accounts.
The newest location is the first in the greater New York City area. It opened Oct. 21 in a former Capital One at 50 Lafayette St. Dawson and Petrik chose Suffern as a centralized spot with rail service close by and lots of commuters, hoping to tap into the millennial population in The Sheldon, a new high-rise apartment complex nearby.
It’s a much larger space than the other three locations. Dawson says it’s more open and bright to reflect the vibe of the building and the surrounding neighborhood.
In addition to their coffee, Java Love also offers a full menu of baked goods, sandwiches and wraps. They’ve partnered with a local bakery to create pastries such as buttermilk muffins and cranberry blueberry scones, and also serve savory sandwiches like the 3 Cheese Grilled Cheese made with Havarti, muenster and cheddar cheese on sourdough bread. The menu includes smoothies, fruit bowls and salads as well.
They offer a variety of non-dairy milks including almond, oat and coconut as well as a selection of cold beverages like iced teas and juices. They offer a few vegan options such as granola bars and overnight oats but could improve by offering more. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with tables in the main room and a few patio chairs for outside seating. This is a great place to stop and relax with a book or have a quick meeting. You can even order to-go. The shop is currently open Monday-Friday from 6:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. This is a nice addition to the Montclair area!
