Editor’s Note: This is the second in an ongoing series about coffee shops in the Evergreen/Conifer area. Read part one here.
For a latte with an extra shot of “heart,” Java Groove in Evergreen is a family-friendly cafe and coffee shop ready to serve everyone.
New owners Eric and Becky Martinez took over the shop in July 2021 and are bringing a fresh approach to their business. Newbies to the coffee world, the pair is looking at the industry with fresh eyes.
“The family perspective for us is humongous,” Eric said.
Java Groove has a small library with kids books, blankets to snuggle up with in front of the fireplace and plenty of caffeine-free options for people of all ages. Eric says he wants to make Java Groove a welcoming place where people can all spend time.
Another thing on the horizon for Java Groove is family nights, where Eric hopes to invite families and do readings for kids. He already features children’s artwork on the walls of the cafe, including some of his own kids’ masterpieces.
Java Groove not only offers espresso based drinks but a full breakfast and lunch menu.
“I don’t think people realize we are a full-on cafe. We serve breakfast and lunch cooked to order everyday,” Eric said.
The cafe features countless lattes, homemade cold brew, frozen coffee drinks, muffins, sandwiches as well as non-dairy milks, gluten-free breads and more items that cater to food allergies. Eric says this is just part of the culture they are working to create.
“(We want to make) sure that we try to offer things for everyone,” he said.
The cafe also has compostable cups from New Zealand featuring unique art on them.
Shane Powell is a barista at Java Groove who loves to make and drink chai lattes. He says the family culture carries over into the staff as well.
“We’re a family here. We all take care of each other,” he said. “We have good food, good drinks, good customers.”
Powell said he likes that he can “nerd out” with the staff, as many of them collect Pokémon cards and share the hobby with one another. The staff enjoys passing on cards to kids who come in the cafe, and they even talk about it on their social media pages.
Java Groove has free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets for people wanting to work remotely, but also welcomes guests to enjoy themselves and stay awhile, or bring the kids by for a hot chocolate.