Staff writer
With the closing of Little Pleasures Coffee Shop still stinging the hearts of coffee addicts in Hillsboro, a new salvation has risen, thanks to Tabor College’s Java Jays.
The college’s coffee shop, normally open only during the school year, decided to remain open this summer to give Hillsboro residents another option for their morning beverages.
Tabor student Molly Wiebe, who runs the shop, said the shop was still experimenting with its summer hours.
“During the school year, we just do drinks, and it’s students, so they’re not these fancy coffee connoisseurs,” she said.
The shop has received requests for snacks and other items, Wiebe said.
“It’s been great when we’ve been getting feedback from people,” Wiebe said. “We’re figuring things out and getting ideas.”
What makes Java Jays different than fast food shops is that the coffee it uses helps other people around the world.
“Our coffee is all fair trade,” Wiebe said. “That’s just very important to me.”
Fair trade coffee, which Java Jays uses in making all coffee-based drinks, means producers in developing countries are paid a fair amount for their work.
Java Jays is open 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. It is located in the Tabor College Student Center.