by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
A slang term for a cup of coffee is a “cuppa Joe.” Well, there’s a real Joe dispensing coffee in two of Downtown’s big towers.
Joe Repole and his wife Sue took over Java Junction’s two locations inside the Bank of America and Wachovia buildings three months ago.
“We’re excited about what’s going on in Jacksonville. We wanted to get into these high-end Class A buildings,” said Joe Repole. “We are excited to provide variety.”
Java Junction sells more than 20 flavors of coffees, along with smoothies, muffins and danish baked daily.
Smoothies are a recent addition to the stores.
“We look forward to promoting smoothies,” he said. “We’ll sell more in the summer.”
The Java Junction at Wachovia serves lunch including pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches and salad. Repole says his stores also offer catering.
“We’d love to serve lunch in the Bank of America building,” said Repole.
Unfortunately the leased space isn’t zoned for that kind of food, just coffee, he said.
One of his favorite items is the Turtle Mocha, a combination of chocolate and caramel, frothed milk and a shot of espresso with optional whipped cream on top.
Originally from New Jersey, the Repoles took over the coffee shops as a business opportunity and are looking into expanding. Repole said he is looking into opening stores in Jacksonville area colleges and universities. After expansion, he hopes to have five Java Junctions.
“There’s a real opportunity here,” said Repole. “Things are in the works.”
There is only one employee at each location. The normal hours of operation are 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Bank of America location and the same for the Wachovia with Saturday and Sunday hours from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Repole says their stores have a loyal following of regulars and visitors.
“We love our regulars. Jessica (the one employee who works in the Bank of America Java Junction) has a cup ready and knows the specialty drinks of many of our customers. She can predict what they want,” said Repole.
The Repoles have been in the restaurant business for several years and feel as though Jacksonville is a great market for “high-end establishments like this,” according to Repole.
“Jacksonville is really starting to grow. This (the Bank of America location) is a great stop along the way to many people’s businesses. We are excited to provide to those people,” he said.