Coffee entrepreneurs give Beaverton a new brew choice

By jennifer priest-mitchell

The Times, Mar 15, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (2 Reader comments)

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(Jennifer Priest Mitchell is a writer who lives in Beaverton. She can be reached at jnjmitchell@yahoo.com)

For those of you who make your coffee stop somewhere other than Starbucks (and you know who you are), Beaverton just added a very special option for your morning drive, afternoon delight, or leisurely weekend.

Java Nation, just off S.W. Canyon Road at 117th is entertaining regulars (who came there often when it was Coffee People), and welcoming a growing number of new customers, thanks to the creativity and friendliness of co-owners Mike Smith and Stanley Bercovitz.

Smith explained, “We are both Beaverton residents, so this place is truly locally owned and run. We also support our community by supporting other local business owners in all that we use to stock the store. We are proud to do that — it brings us joy and the customers really appreciate that.”

And we do. It was refreshing to hear that Java Nation carries loose-leaf tea from The Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants, a Portland based tea importer. The ice cream at Java Nation, which is a real treat whether you order coffee or not, is from Eugene. The shop’s dairy company is a local business near the Lloyd Center, and all of their yummy pastries come from an independent bakery near the Portland Airport.

Smith elaborated on their choice to support these and other local businesses as he said it is easy to do, once you make the commitment.

“The Jasmine Pearl, for example, is owned by a husband and wife team, and we just really like to support that kind of business, but they also have great products so this relationship works for everybody.”

Bercovitz said of his business partner, “Mike is the co-owner, and he had been managing the shop when it was Coffee People for the previous five years. He brings the gift of a great memory for names and corresponding drinks, and the sense of community, which is what we are all about here.

Many people come here on a daily basis to touch base with their friend Mike. And I can tell you that it’s this fellowship with the community through the shop which makes the venture so enjoyable for him, and myself as well.”

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