West Side Java maintains customers’ comfort coffee spot while also exploring newer additions to menu

Customers were heartbroken when one of their favorite coffee shops closed its doors in summer 2022, but the speed in which a new caffeine-focused business filled the vacant storefront mended those emotional wounds and in some cases convinced regulars the downtown Newton hotspot had never left.

Juli Stanford, owner of West Side Java, said there were a number of customers who did not realize the former Bridgehouse Coffee Co. had closed. They figured it was just a name change and a few renovations. But Stanford knows all too well that was not the case, though the renovation was clear for all too see.

Prior to West Side Java opening in October 2022, the storefront had to be completely restored after succumbing to latent structural damage caused by the 2020 derecho. In a past interview, Stanford said the storm shifted and loosened a part of the building. It was a long and arduous process to get it fixed.

But the completed renovation — handled by Ciro Diiorio Masonry & Landscaping of Marshalltown — speaks for itself, and customers have certainly taken notice. If the front facade doesn’t catch their eye, then the exposed wood flooring should. Stanford is just happy to see customers coming through the doors again.

“Bridgehouse had their own following, and so now they’re kind of getting used to us and doing that,” Stanford said. “We want people to come in and just enjoy the space. The space is beautiful. I think we have a lot of people that come in and remotely work from here. It’s a comforting place to get a couple of drinks.”

While the memories and layout of Bridgehouse are still there (many of the coffee cup sleeves still have the old business’ logo on them), West Side Java is making efforts to set itself apart from its predecessor by expanding its food menu. Stanford said the soup in bread bowls have gone over very well.

“We’re serving soup at lunch and we’re going to start having a baked potato bar with different toppings — it should be really fun,” Stanford said. “It’s something that nobody else does. We’ve added cheesecakes and sell the heck out of those things.”

Of course fresh baked treats are still available like scones, muffins and cookies, but the real star of the show is the coffee and espresso mixed drinks. Whether folks want ‘em hot, ice or blended, West Side Java has everyone’s favorite caffeinated beverages on hand.

Stanford wants every customer to find something they like. Even though the shop offers little steamers and hot chocolates for the kiddos, she also added juice boxes and pop to the menu. Brewed coffee is still popular as always, and West Side Java keeps customers on their toes by rotating its flavors frequently.

When Bridgehouse was still operating, Stanford was merely the building owner. With the opening of West Side Java, she had to transition her mindset from building owner to business owner. While it was certainly a change, Stanford has embraced the title and loves greeting regular customers.

“The customers have been amazing. Love my customers. They’re great. I’m starting to make friends with some and recognizing the ones that come in every day or sometimes twice a day,” Stanford said. “This is a service we wanted to do for downtown Newton and for the people that loved it.”