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Friday, November 20, 2009

Roll out of bed for Java

Coffeehouse celebrates 18 years


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


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There are 4 comments


The comments below are from the readers of mtexpress.com and in no way represent the views of Express Publishing Inc.
frank donation
11/23/09 - 08:57

18 years 2 stores in blaine county 2 in Boise and 18 years of business and you weren't able to donate a $ 5.00 gift certificate for hungry children!!!!! Nice job Todd.

Ann – Piermont, NH
11/20/09 - 11:06

Congratulations Todd. I remember opening day and wish I was still in Ketchum to have a hot chocoalte and a scone! You have worked hard...enjoy the champagne.

straight up
11/20/09 - 09:27

How many businesses that where here 18yrs ago are here today? says a lot for Todd's business skills. Surviving attacks from chains like Tully"s and Starbucks, which no other business has had to compete with is impressive.

Pat S
11/20/09 - 06:57

Congrats on your anniversary. I raise a Bowl o' Soul to you.
When I moved here 18 years ago, Java was the best run business in town. When Rippo was not in the store because he was diversifying, quality fell dramatically. Kids will be kids.

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