{mosimage}The history of the coffee house dates back almost 700 years to the country of Turkey. Coffee was so important during that time that a woman could legally divorce her husband if he could not supply her with enough coffee. Trade brought coffee to Europe. In Britain, the coffee house became a place where businessmen conducted business. In 17th century France, artists, intellectuals, poets and politicians joined the party and when the coffee house eventually came to the U.S., it kept some of the rich history that it picked up on its travels along the way.

The Java Bean Gourmet Coffee House, located in the historic Prince Charles Hotel, is the newest edition to the Fayetteville coffee house landscape. The dÄcor is sleek and modern with clean lines, neutral colors and cool metal. The atmosphere is welcoming and laid back. With respect to tradition, the Java Bean is well connected to its history. On a given day, you will find models being photographed, artists considering their work, musicians playing their instruments, poets speaking about life, politicians politicking and businessmen dealing.

The owners of the Java Bean are business partners č Regina Johnson, born and raised in Fayetteville and a graduate of Westover High School, and Vanessa Sanders, originally from Queens, N.Y. Both women reside in Charlotte, but spend a lot of time commuting between Charlotte and Fayetteville.  

The idea for the Java Bean came about in 2001.

“My business partner, Vanessa and I, have a true love for coffee and poetry,” said Johnson. “We collectively had been pondering the idea of opening a gourmet coffee house. We wanted to do something outside of what we do with our other business. The opportunity arrived in Fayetteville and we felt this was our Java moment.”

The Java Bean opened the week of the Dogwood Festival and on that 4th Friday, the entertainment arrived in the form of Touch One Productions and “Concrete Generation,” the number one poetry group in the nation. Spoken word is universal and their chosen topics addressed issues that all people, regardless of age, skin color or economic status, can relate to. They were backed by a jazz, blues band and entertained a standing room only crowd. Java Bean is planning to have Touch One “Concrete Generation” return for May’s 4th Friday and hopes to offer some form of entertainment every 4th Friday.

The need for caffeine and the social impact that coffee has is evident in the many coffee houses that we have to choose from in Fayetteville. 

What is different about the Java Bean? 

“Our atmosphere is centered on the love of Java and the arts,” said Johnson. “Every cup of Java is handcrafted. We provide gourmet beverages, entertainment and Free internet service to the general public. We welcome local artists to showcase their talents at the Java Bean. We aim to provide a comfortable place for our patrons to enjoy a cup of Java in a relaxing environment.”  

Java Bean has traditional coffee house fare as well as some tempting latte chiller creations and smoothies. They also offer pastries and some savory items to anyone with an appetite. Hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. It is located at 450 Hay St. Contact the Java Bean Coffee House at (910) 213-3111, if you have any questions.