As many of our customers know, Barb and I moved from Michigan to become the new owners of Hava Java Mesa.
Back in Michigan, because of our location for 21 years, being more rural than city, we never really had a sense of community. Of course, we knew our neighbors, but the lots were big so maybe we said hi once a week.
Now we are living in East Mesa, in a large neighborhood, and talking with our neighbors is almost a daily event. Even more so at Hava Java. We are constantly greeting and talking with customers. We learn about their jobs or retirement, their history and what brought them to the Valley, or maybe, as we were in Michigan, born and raised in Ariz. Some are working from the coffee shop; some are studying for that next test; and some are just taking a break from a busy day or meeting up with friends.
It’s this daily interaction that I take very seriously. I feel that we are more than just a cup of coffee – you can wait in line at any drive-through for that. We are an important part of our customer’s routine.
We truly now have a sense of community. But it’s more than that, it is what I believe is an obligation to our community. The community has chosen us to be part of their lives, so we are always trying to give something back.
So, in that spirit, we try to make the coffee shop available for different events that will benefit the community. On Tuesday, May 7, starting at 8:30 a.m.to about 10 a.m., we will be hosting our City of Mesa Councilmember Alicia Goforth from the 5th district to meet with residents and talk about local issues (still working on Mayor Giles by the way). The last time Councilmember Goforth was at the shop she brought Commander Chris Rash of Mesa Police. We will be inviting him again.
Oh, by the way, you don’t have to have an issue or complaint, if you feel Councilmember Goforth is doing a good job please stop by as well.
Hava Java Mesa is located at the northeast corner of Power and McDowell roads in The Village at Las Sendas, 2849 N. Power Road, Suite 103, in Mesa.