Jackie's Java

In 2004, a determined student named Jackie began roasting coffee in a garage. Her passion for coffee and a dream to run a café had led her to invest her savings in a commercial coffee roaster. Over a year, she taught herself the craft of coffee roasting. However, the process proved to be more challenging than she expected.

With time, Jackie overcame these challenges. She finally brought her coffee to a Fort Collins farmer’s market. Her exceptional coffee was tasted and loved by a local coffee shop owner. This chance meeting transformed Jackie’s plan, turning her into the exclusive roaster for a famous café in Fort Collins.

Without any paid advertising, word of mouth turned Jackie’s passion project into a full-time business. She balanced this with her college education, an experience she fondly remembers. After seventeen years of relentless work, Jackie's Java was sold to Chris and Stefanie Mecklenburg in 2020.

The Mecklenburgs had previously run a local liquor store for nearly a decade. They admired Jackie's Java so much that they were customers before becoming owners. Jackie passed on her extensive coffee roasting knowledge to the couple. Their combined retail experience ensures that Jackie’s vision for the business remains at its core.

Today, Jackie enjoys her life away from the roastery. Meanwhile, Chris and Stefanie stay true to their preference for dark roasts and medium/dark blends. They are especially fond of coffee from Central and South America. Their future plans include trips to coffee farms. These visits will help them source the finest beans and support small farmers. Their aim is to better the lives and economies of these farmers while offering guilt-free coffee to their customers.

Outside of work, Chris and Stefanie treasure their time in their century-old bungalow. They enjoy quality time with their three rescue pets, gardening, cooking, camping, traveling, and collecting art. They continue to uphold the legacy of Jackie's Java, carrying on the founder's dedication to high-quality coffee and a passion for the craft. Keep an eye on their blog and social media for more updates about their ongoing journey.