By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — There is a new community gathering place featuring coffee, free Internet access, a peaceful atmosphere and “grookies.”
The JavaNet Cafe is located at 3054 W. Prospect, inside the old Buglers Inn.
“I always wanted to own a bar; I just didn’t think it would be a coffee bar,” said John Radwancky, owner of the new establishment.
The rehabbed building boasts a cozy yet roomy decor, complete with cafe tables, wine barrel furniture, a sectional sofa and, of course, the bar.
“We specialize in specialty drinks. Where once alcohol was served, we now serve healthy spirits,” Radwancky said. “I feel the people of Saybrook need a positive place to come and enjoy each other’s company.”
JavaNet Cafe’s signature food item is the “grookie,” or granola cookie.
“We developed this ourselves,” Radwancky said. “It is good with coffee, and the kids love it with smoothies and sodas.”
“The grookie is a half pound of portable healthy ingredients,” he said.
“When people think of JavaNet, I want them to think of the grookie.”
Radwancky feels that Saybrook Township has suffered enough from area businesses closing and desires to be a catalyst for positive change.
“Saybrook is now on the rebound; we are coming back, and JavaNet is going to be the community hub,” he said.
Because Radwancky works full time for the Ashtabula Area City Schools, he depends on his talented staff to run JavaNet while he is at work.
Saybrook residents Mary Shank and Rose Weir are part of the staff, which is working hard to make JavaNet a complete success.
“Both of these ladies came out of retirement from food service careers to help me help this community,” Radwancky said.
“I am a product of Saybrook and Ashtabula schools; I have a vested interest in this area.”
Radwancky believes that staying positive attracts positive environments.
“One of my mottos is: ‘You have peace in your soul or pieces in your life,’” he said.
What all does JavaNet Cafe have to offer?
Customers can expect great cappuccinos, espressos, lattes, coffees, frozen smoothie drinks, flavored Italian sodas, frozen coffee drinks, chai teas and more.
The aroma alone from the coffee at JavaNet, which is Caruso Coffee from Brecksville, will keep customers coming back.
JavaNet serves up coffee with Monin and Da Vinci flavored syrups, including almond, butter pecan, caramel, English toffee, French vanilla, hazelnut, Irish cream, raspberry, chocolate, maple, peanut butter, and sugar-free caramel, hazelnut and vanilla. Chocolate syrups made by Ghirardelli are also available.
Sipping on great coffee with nothing yummy to eat is not much fun, so JavaNet offers “to die for” pastries, including turnovers, cinnamon swirls, a daily specialty baked item and, of course, the grookies.
“Breakfast lovers need to try our own breakfast wrap filled with eggs, hash browns, three cheeses, onion and fresh red pepper,” Radwancky said.
Lunchtime food items include soups and sandwiches and snack items.
The JavaNet Cafe is also not without local nostalgia.
“In the back corner is one of the original booths from the Buglers Inn from the 1940s, and the wine barrel furniture is from Sasslers Steak House that was hugely popular and located just west of Route 45 in Saybrook,” Radwancky said.
There is also a meeting room available for private parties and corporate meetings, and a computer repair and training service is also available.
Radwancky feels as though he is living a dream come true.
“I truly owe Al and Carol Dalin (the owners of the building) a huge thank-you for believing in my dream and giving me this opportunity for the people of Saybrook,” he said. “I am very blessed.”
Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (440) 228-2969 for more information.
