Sweet Tooth
Java
Bean Cafe and Confectionery
provides mix of elegance, comfort
Cafe
serves more than
just coffee and dessert to patrons
By
Nichole Osinski
Contributing Writer
VEVAY, Ind. (December 2011) – What does a grand
piano, handmade chocolates and a wall of art have in common? They can
all be found at the Java Bean Cafe and Confectionery. The cafe is located
at 17 W. Main St. in Vevay, Ind., and offers more than just the basic
coffee shop treats. Bill Smith and Jay Davidson, the cafe’s owners,
have also added a menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a
wide selection of hand-made desserts.
Described as a “slightly upscale” cafe, the Java Bean is meant
to provide customers with a mix of elegant and homey. There is seating
for up to 50 with cloth napkins, tablecloths and a Gallery Wall of Art.
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Photo by Patti Wilson From
left, Jay Davidson and Bill |
“We came to Vevay and they didn’t have anything
like what we have to offer,” said Smith. “The community has
been very accepting and we are very grateful to them.”
Smith and Davidson, both originally from Ohio, have a wealth of experience
in what they do. Smith had previously managed several different restaurants
and Davidson began making chocolates when he was 16.
Davidson had always been interested in culinary arts, and when he was
offered a position to make chocolate at Kings Island amusement park
in Cincinnati, he took it. When the two food connoisseurs met in Ohio,
they decided to combine their talents and open a store.
The now business partners found a place in eastern Indiana in the small
town of Metamora. They opened a gift shop, which they ran for 4 1/2
years. Both owners agreed they wanted to branch to a different location
where they could focus entirely on the food and beverages. This led
them to the town of Vevay, where their business skyrocketed after being
open just little over a year.
Established in 2010, the business celebrated its first anniversary on
Nov. 5, and the owners have already expanded the building.
However, both Smith and Davidson feel their success comes from more
than just unique recipes and gourmet coffee. They aim to give the cafe
an inviting atmosphere where they get to know the customers and where
people will feel at home.
Smith explains that when people come in they “want to hear how
you are doing” and that the customers are “like family to
us. We share their joys, we share their sorrows.”
One unique aspect that has made the cafe so popular is that everything
is handmade. Smith comes up with the in-house kitchen recipes, while
Davidson makes his own chocolate recipes.
Davidson uses four different brands of chocolate and hand dips each
piece individually. Each batch takes about two hours to make and is
the cafe’s own special blend of chocolate desserts. One of the
things he enjoys most about confectionery is not only the creative freedom
but making something that tastes as good as it looks.
Other features that have helped with the cafe’s success are the
live musical performances and art wall. At least once a month different
musicians come and give performances on the cafe’s antique grand
piano.
The Gallery Wall of Art inside the cafe displays different featured
artists and changes each month.
And if anyone wants a special order, the owners will do their best to
accommodate. They have even shipped their treats as far as Hawaii and
Canada.