Local coffee company sets plans for move
Wednesday, March 10, 2004 2:40 PM PST
Tami Hart
Argus Observer
ONTARIO
In the words of Jolts and Juice owners Dennis Hart and Todd Heinz, the Ontario coffee company is "expanding the empire" with a new site set to open soon in the Ontario Marketplace. But exactly where in the Marketplace Jolts and Juice will expand to is anybody's guess - and Heinz and Hart are not talking, at least not seriously.
Even Mark Zimel, the Portland-based developer responsible for the Ontario Marketplace is not saying much, other than Jolts and Juice will be joining other retailers in the new complex.
A sign posted on the vacant Aikens building has led to speculation in the community it will be the home of the additional Jolts and Juice site. A flyer posted at the counter of the downtown location sets out a number of "facts" regarding the Jolts and Juice expansion that, if taken separately, according to Heinz, are completely true. One fact, "the current 72,000 square foot building is not enough and the walls must come tumbling down," coupled with another fact "in its place plans are in the works to build a structure in excess of 100,000 square feet to accommodate state of the art equipment" could lead one to believe the Jolts and Juice owners are serious about inhabiting the space left behind by Aikens.
Then again, it could be another tongue in cheek prank by the two men who are notorious for their sense of fun and sense of humor.
"I just say, let the people come and find us and wait and see," Hart said. "We do challenge people to find us."
"They have signed a lease to come into the Marketplace," Zimel said. "That doesn't mean they're eliminating the downtown store."
That is one fact the pair want to be very clear on.
"We are not closing this store," Heinz said. "We're attacking the Idaho front, the Starbuckian front."
Heinz said they hope to expand their customer base and get more people exposed to the Jolts and Juice name and what they are all about - quality gourmet coffee, quality service and a "funky way of doing things."
But will that fun and funky atmosphere survive an expansion to the marketplace?
"It will probably be more overwhelming than this one," Hart said. "Just know that it will be. We're not backing off at all."
Heinz and Hart have been vocal proponents for revitalizing downtown Ontario and do not see their expansion to the marketplace as giving up on downtown business.
"By no means are we giving up on downtown," Heinz said. "Downtown is thriving now."
He cited the newly-opened Romio's Pizza and Pasta as a great addition to the downtown.
Heinz said it will be up to downtown merchants to capitalize on the business from the marketplace and to design a marketing strategy to bring new customers downtown.
The new Jolts and Juice location will feature a drive-thru, more inside seating and outside patio seating, Heinz said.
"Jolts and Juice will be making a stir in the Ontario Marketplace," Hart said. "I can guarantee you that."
But where, still remains anyone's guess.
Tami Hart is a reporter for the Argus Observer. She can be contacted at (541) 889-5387, or by e-mail, TamiH@argusobserver.com.
No Dhimmi wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:38 PM:
And this isn't "racist," because Islam is not a race, anymore than Communism or Nazism are races, both of which killed far fewer people than Islam.
Disgusting. "