Suffolk News-Herald

The restaurant revival in downtown Suffolk continued to percolate Monday as Java 149 officially opened, the second on Main Street in as many weeks.

The coffee house, operated by Heater, Brian and Jeff Jones, will offer sandwiches, soups, salads, wireless Internet access and even poetry readings to complement its full menu of exotic coffees and teas.

&uot;We wanted to express our joy at finally being open downtown,&uot; said Jeff Jones. &uot;My wife and I have been here three years and we’ve seen a lot of amazing things happen.&uot;

Jones said he look forward to working with other restaurants to promote a &uot;restaurant culture&uot; downtown.

A few doors to the north, Pisces Seafood held a ribbon cutting two weeks ago, and just down the block are Caf\u00E9 Moose and The Baron’s Pub, giving downtowners plenty of options within walking distance.

Mayor Bobby Ralph was served up the inaugural cup of brew Monday morning and made some remarks prior to the ribbon cutting.

&uot;I think it brings a uniqueness to Suffolk that we haven’t had before,&uot; Ralph said. &uot;It instills confidence in us that you all believe in our downtown revitalization efforts. We’re so excited about what’s happening downtown.&uot;

Ralph said the proliferation of eateries is bringing downtown back to what it used to be, &uot;and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish.&uot;

Java 149 is located at 149 N. Main Street. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Heather Jones said the poetry readings should begin in early December on the weekends and that the restaurant hopes to attract live blues and jazz acoustic music on Friday and Saturday nights. They hope to be able to expand evening hours.

The food selections include Panini sandwiches with either chiabatta or sour dough bread, soups and salads featuring fresh greens. Java 149 also offers catering with a minimum of 24 hours notice.