Java Jackets started as a way to bring coffee, baked goods, and community together on Cincinnati’s Westside. What began as a home baking hobby quickly grew into a full-fledged coffee shop and bakery, combining a love of sweet treats with a passion for local connections. From its original North Bend location to recent expansions in Cheviot and Miami Heights, Java Jackets has become a hub for both longtime residents and newcomers alike. I spoke with owner Brittany Hiser to learn more about the inspiration behind the business, how the menus come together, and what makes them stand out.
What inspired you to open Java Jackets?
My family and I are heavily involved with the Westside — specifically the Three Rivers Community. When I realized anyone in our community had to drive 15–20 minutes to meet someone for coffee, I knew I could change that. I also had been a home baker for 4+ years and had drastically outgrew my space, so opening a coffee shop/bakery space was a win-win for me! I had no idea what I was doing but knew how to ask the right questions and get the right people involved, to help with the process. Heck, I still don’t know what I’m doing and doubt I ever will. haha. With enough grit, determination, and grace, everything is figure-out-able.
I love the names- Java Jackets, and your cookie business- Happy Flour Sweets! How did you come up with those?
I was driving down Shady Lane one day, and it came to me like a lightbulb going off. Java Jackets is a place on words: the Three Rivers/ Taylor mascott is a Yellow Jacket and the term of a coffee sleeve that goes around your cup is actually called a Java Jacket, so that’s how that came to be. Happy Flour Sweets was born out of my best friend Lindsay and I baking at home and pulling all-nighters to get orders done. We’d more often than not drink wine while baking and it became two stay-at-home mom’s Happy Hour…so also another play on words: Happy Flour Sweets. ha.
Can you tell me about your locations?
SO, Java Jackets North Bend is the original. At the time, it was the only good retail space in the Three Rivers Community. It came with a drive-thru and has been perfect for us over the last almost 6 years. We’re the first to build and grow in that space. In May, we were given the opportunity to buy the historical Regina Bakery and took ownership of their two locations in mid September. Because Java Jackets doesn’t make sense in the Cheviot community, we’re calling that one Happy Flour Sweets. It’ll continue to be a bakery store front and starting tomorrow, we’ll launch a limited coffee menu from Java and show-casing our coffee roasters more or less there. So it’ll be Happy Flour Sweets home of Java Jackets Coffee proudly serving Yield Coffee Roasters. Kinda confusing we know—but hey what do you do?! figure it out along the way.
We’re almost finished with this site. The new sign should go in, hopefully this winter. The main bakery production space on Shady Lane is about to undergo a full professional renovation once we finish up all of the requirements and paperwork. It’s been QUITE the process since nothing has been updated in 34 years. This site will continue to be a bakery production facility, but we’re going to add in a sitting space and ALL of the Java Jacket’s favorites, so it’ll become a cafe bakery and will change to “Java Jackets Cafe and Bakery”. We’re likely going to close the North Bend location once this is set and ready to go in Miami Heights.
What plans do you have to keep or change things at those locations and how did the purchase come about?
We’re doing our BEST to learn all of the favorites Regina’s had for all of these years, while also trying to add even more new favorites. I don’t think people realize how STEEP of a learning curve it has been. We’ve kept 95% of what they used to do since we hired the production team they had. We’re working really hard to learn, implement new systems, take care of the space and equipment, and get everything to where we want it moving forward in 2026.
How do you develop your shop’s menus and what inspires your new flavors?
I can’t wait to try the “Route 50” specialty drink! This is the fun part! I’ve worked in coffee since I was 15, and there’s so much fun that can be had in this industry so why not have it?! We’re also on the Westside and Westsiders LOVE their sugar and fun stuff.
What makes your coffee and bakery treats unique compared to other local spots?
We have a very LARGE menu that can be customized, however the customer wants really. We also are heavily involved with the community and do a lot of offsite events and fundraisers. We’re pretty hands-on when it comes to doing good with the people in our community and we use our shop, baked goods, and drinks as a vehicle to do that.
What should a new customer order on their first visit?
I would say if you’re at the Java in North Bend or now the Cheviot store, definitely the Chai Tea latte. It’s amazing. Latte wise, I love a good iced Cornhole or Route 50!
What are your hours and where could I go to learn more about Java Jackets?
Our hours currently are all over the place. haha. This transition has been wild, so we’re trying to get these details under control. I’d say social media and our website javajacketscoffee.com is the best bet but currently here’s hour weird hours until we can get Google on board with the changes!
North Bend:
Monday-Friday 6am-1pm
Saturday-Sunday 7am-3pm
Cheviot:
Monday- closed
Tuesday-Friday 6am-1pm
Saturday-Sunday 7am-1pm
Miami Heights:
Monday-closed
Tuesday-Friday 6am-6pm
Saturday 6am-3pm
Sunday 6:30am-1pm
Photos courtesy of Maura Black and Java Jackets Coffee House Facebook
Love this local spotlight? See more insights from your neighborhood guide, Maura Black.
