New coffee bistro opens in downtown New Richmond

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New Richmond native Jonathan Timm opened JET’s Coffee Bistro at 244 S. Knowles Ave. on Aug. 16. They offer specialty coffee drinks and baked goods and a community gathering room. Light lunch sandwiches will be added to the menu soon.

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It seemed only logical for Jonathan Timm.

With the exception of four years when he attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Timm has always lived in New Richmond.

“I love this area,” he said with a huge smile.

He sat in his new business: JET’s Coffee Bistro at 244 S. Knowles Ave. The furnishings were sparse, accentuating the high tin ceilings, and conversation echoed through the space.

“That is another void I’m trying to fill,” he said, glancing at the rear of the bistro. “I’m picky, so I’m taking my time looking for couches.”

After graduating from Stout, he helped his mom run a bar and grill in East Farmington for five years. They had purchased it from the owner when he retired, and it was there that Timm learned the ropes of restaurant management.

It was his love of New Richmond that made him consider looking at the area for a business of his own.

“I found there was more of a need for a coffee shop and meeting facility,” he explained. “With coffee specialty drinks and light lunch – that is my background.”

With the help of lots of friends, he was able to open JET’s – named after his initials – Coffee Bistro on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Currently, the menu includes various coffee drinks and some bakery items. However, he hopes to add some Paninis, wraps and other sandwiches to the offerings soon. JET’s has a “walking” delivery service on Main Street, usually between Freedom gas station and the Friday Memorial Library. Timm said they are going to expand their delivery service as the business increases.

In addition, he plans to have live music and open mic nights in the near future.

“I have a business plan that is that thick,” he said, gesturing about two inches with his thumb and forefinger. “People are constantly giving me suggestions and I even have a book at the front counter that they can write them down.”

There is a community meeting room in the back of the bistro that Timm would like to open to the public. Although not furnished yet, he estimates that it would hold about 10-20 people comfortably. He said that plays into his plan to have the bistro cater to two kinds of customers: the kind who want their food/drinks quickly, and those would like a place to hang out.

“I’d like to be a staple in New Richmond so we can function for different needs,” he said. “We’re looking to be here for the long haul.”

Tags: new richmond, business, retail