Jitters ... serving Java and more: business finds taste of success in Eagle River community.

• Author: Blumer, Marilyn
• Position: SMALL BUSINESS

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Jitters jives when it comes to java. Coffee gourmands from near and far frequent this one-of-a-kind specialty coffee shop that has a neighborhood gathering-place feel, friendly staff and a menu that covers customers' preferences from morning until night. Along with an extensive array of hot and cold espresso drinks--pastries, sandwiches, soups and quiche are served. The food and drink prices are comparable to those at other independent coffee places. Owner Dennis Johnson uses only locally roasted Kaladi Brothers coffee beans for both the espresso and drip coffee.

PLENTY OF COMPETITION

Riding a crest of an enormous worldwide wave of specialty coffee shops and their popularity, Jitters' success has steadily grown since opening in 1994. Jitters is one of 11 coffee places in Eagle River, three of them being Starbucks.

What gives Jitters the edge? Johnson attributes his business' success to having a quality product, good service and a hard-working, loyal staff. "Jitters has become a landmark (in Eagle River) with lots of loyal customers from Anchorage." Parked out front is a 1950 Ford Railway Express truck that hauled luggage in its former life. It is now Jitters' drive-up stop for people on the go.

In 2005, Jitters was the recipient of the Spirit of Youth Award for being a youth-friendly business. Youth are welcome as customers as well as a demographic that comprises a large percentage of the staff. Johnson, a former elementary school teacher with the Anchorage School District, has Jitters involved in school partnerships.

A TOUCH OF CLASS

This coffee shop has a cheerful ambiance with oak tables and antiques plus a roaring fireplace to warm cold winter days and nights. "Folks feel welcome in the home atmosphere," Johnson said. During the winter months there is live music on the weekends and artists' exhibits, too. "I expect our customers to get more than a good cup of coffee," he said. "Advertising is primarily word-of-mouth. It's all fun."

The Jitters staff consists of 18 employees, who vary from full-time to part-time depending on the season and school schedules.

Johnson also owns Picture This, the combination art gallery/frame shop and home decor store next door to Jitters. One wants to linger there and see everything on display from candles and candy to nick-knacks and baby booties. The gallery features local and regional Alaska artists, and...