This Is My New Jersey

When we moved to Ledgewood a few years ago, we did what many other people do; look for new places like the nearby diner, church, and coffee shop to name a few. My new favorite coffee spot became Java Joe’s. Great bagels, awesome turkey chili, and iced coffee complete with coffee iced cubes. They were right around the corner from us. It was great.

Then they moved.

Not far, mind you. Maybe a little more than a mile down the road on Rt. 10. It’s larger spot that accommodate more tables and more refrigerators for sodas and sandwiches. It is situated on the corner of a small strip with other two storefronts that were empty when they opened.

Shortly after they opened in their new space, they had a new neighbor – Beanbury. It is exactly what it sounds like; a coffee shop.

I’ll admit it, I was worried. I wasn’t sure two coffee places right next to each to each other was such a hot idea. I thought they would be fighting for the same clientele.

As an added bonus, shortly after Beanbury opened, COVID-19 shut everything down. I had real concerns these two businesses might not survive at all.

I’ll tell you what, I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. Not only have they survived, they have thrived. I’ve discovered they are two sides of the same coin and I think they compliment each other quite well. Java Joe’s still provides great bagels, sandwiches, and their awesome turkey chili. Beanbury on the other hand offers what I refer to as “fru-fru” drinks. I have grown quite partial to their caramel Americano. Whenever I pass, their parking lots are always full. Both are finally allowed 50% seating and I am certainly looking forward to sitting down and enjoying a bagel at Java Joe’s and an Americano at Beanbury instead of just grab and go.

It is a good reminder to support our locally-owned businesses. They’ve had a tough year and are a vital part of our communities. So whenever you can, skip Amazon and shop local.