Shop Small Jacksonville – May 2021

Almost any time of day you will see people hanging out on the deck or waiting in the drive through lane at Pony Espresso Café. Located on N. Fifth Street, the Pony is a mainstay of Jacksonville. Founded in 1995 and bought by Chris and Kadie Boivin in 1998, Pony Espresso was one of the first drive-through coffee houses in Southern Oregon. The Boivins brought their love of food, coffee, and wine to the Rogue Valley after visiting our town and deciding that this was where they wanted to begin their life together.

I had the pleasure to meet and speak with Chris and Kadie. They shared their story about why they moved to Jacksonville and bought the cafe, the challenges they faced as a young couple, raising a family, working every day except Christmas and New Year’s, and winning over the people of this small town. When I asked them why they continue to do what they do, their response was simple: the love and appreciation they have for their employees and the people of Jacksonville. This is what keeps them in the game. It is not without the support of the community that a business like Pony Espresso can grow and thrive.

Running a small business means learning on your feet, something the Boivins have become very good at. From hiring the right people and ensuring that customers have a great experience to making consistent delicious coffee and food, Pony Espresso has perfected the art of learning by doing. When COVID-19 hit back in March 2020, they made the conscious decision to create a safe workplace for their employees and stay open. With no walk-in traffic, the baristas could rock-out to their favorite music and jam while making some of the best coffee drinks, breakfast, and lunch in the valley. It was also important to provide the people of Jacksonville with a little bit of normalcy. The fact that we could still get our favorite cup of joe and breakfast sandwich in the morning or grab that old reliable Chinese Chicken Salad in the afternoon, helped us get through this past year. When inside dining was not permitted, dining on the deck allowed the community to still gather.

Small businesses support other small businesses…Pony Espresso is no exception. This is demonstrated by the relationship they share with their local bank that helped them buy their building, the insurance company that they rely on to protect their assets and the valley farmers who supply many of the ingredients that make up their yummy menu. Fun fact: Pony Espresso goes through about 2000 eggs a week. It is their support of Oregon coffee roasters, as well as local breweries, bakeries, and suppliers that brings the flavor of this area to life. They employ our friends and family and by keeping money in our community, they strengthen all of us.

In 2015, Pony Espresso Ashland opened in the heart of downtown and, as in J’Ville, has become a place for locals and tourists to get their engine going in the morning or grab some lunch in the afternoon. It took some patience but quickly the people of Ashland began to appreciate what they had in this charming café. Writers and artists use this space to create and collaborate. Books have been written here, along with plays and scores. Actors have perfected their roles over a cappuccino and visitors have planned out their day in the valley. When the fires wreaked havoc last fall, the Boivins never closed. They were committed to supporting the town and be there at its darkest moments. For days it was the only place in Ashland that people could grab a coffee or a bite to eat. They also donated food and coffee to local fire departments. This is what small businesses do. They understand what the community needs and show up when we need them most.

As Spring unfolds and people begin to come together again, let us take a moment and thank the Boivins for their commitment to us. They show up for us—let us show up for them.

Featured image is of the Boivin Family.