ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
JavaLive coffeehouse in downtown Faribault has been a center
for community activity for nearly eight years.
JavaLive, located on Central Avenue, is locally owned and operated. Owner Ken Beck started his business because
he believed Faribault needed the space.
Unique features of JavaLive include the different activities held there
such as: comedy routines, art shows, classes, business meetings, book groups and
live music. This all
creates the friendly, family environment Beck wants.
“It’s fun, and a great place to hang out,” said Tim Arsenault, who is
a former JavaLive employee.
The inside of JavaLive is well-tailored to the laid-back customer
because of its relaxing feel. A much larger space than it appears from the
outside, JavaLive makes the most of its room.
Just beyond the counter a person enters the lounge area. It is an open
area with fish tanks, computers, and book cases filled with novels, encyclopedias, yearbooks and children's stories.
Many couches and lounge chairs are located in this area, some of
which are around tables used for meetings over meals, coffee or games of chess, cards or chance.
Finally, at the back of JavaLive is a stage where many entertainment
activities take place. This area brings the home-like atmosphere to
the store.
JavaLive also offers a large menu with a variety of items including:
soups, sandwiches, full breakfasts, ice cream, hot and cold beverages and, of
course, coffee. Beck says the menu brings in the wide range of age
groups that frequent the store.
“With ice cream here you get [all age groups] around,” Beck said.
Beck was a bit concerned when Starbucks opened in Faribault. Starbucks is a coffeehouse chain that currently has over 8,500 locations
worldwide.
But Beck remains confident that JavaLive will still be going strong
in the future.
“We’ve got a good loyal [customer] base,” he said.
JavaLive is open seven days a week throughout the year excluding
major holidays.
JavaLive is located at 313 North Central Ave.
