Friday, November 20, 2009

Roll out of bed for Java

Coffeehouse celebrates 18 years

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Todd Rippo

When Java in Ketchum opened its doors 18 years ago, it was closed for coffee on Thanksgiving Day. Owner Todd Rippo was making coffee but not to sell.

"I was in my PJs, and customers kept tapping on the door," Rippo said. "Every year since, we celebrate Java's anniversary on Thanksgiving Day in our pajamas."

Rippo and family will be serving mimosas from 8 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, in celebration of 18 years of business.

"I want to thank everyone for supporting me so I could avoid going to law school," Rippo said.

Rippo said that after 18 years in business and with six locations in Idaho, it's back to basics and being behind the counter. He recently opened a new location at the CSI campus in Twin Falls.

"Everything we make is homemade with recipes from my mother," he said. "It's a family operation. I don't want to be the coolest place, I want to be the friendliest."

Rippo said patrons are a mix of people, from tourists to locals, and there are no favorites.

"We may be off the beaten path, but people find us," he said. "I like Ketchum and right now people are becoming people again and not hiding behind a facade. It's special to be here, and I am happy my daughter gets to grow up here."

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com