Java Joes: Brewing up a business model

Java Joe’s owners Manju Pandey and Mahesh Thapa believe in a hands-on approach to restaurant service and hospitality, calling their business a “second home for customers.” (Daisy Demapan)

When Manju Pandey and Mahesh Thapa took over the operation of Java Joe’s, the couple brought with them their hands-on approach to business. Mahesh, in particular, has a background in hospitality management, with 20 years of experience in Australia and the United States.

The couple shared a common interest in business and first sought to open up in the United States but then realized that they preferred the warmth of a tropical island, adding that they enjoy being part of the community and its laidback lifestyle that is a complete contrast to the mainland.

“We are satisfied with what we are doing, enjoy participating in community events, supporting the local market and public schools and charities. It’s not a lot but we do what we can,” Mahesh said.

Despite the hard economic times and disaster, Mahesh said their prices have remained the same since 2009.

“No matter the economics, you need to have consistency and persistence and quality of service,” he shares, noting that another important aspect of their business is ambience.

“It’s all about creating that atmosphere and being familiar with customers,” knowing what their preferences are when it comes to food and beverages, he said.

Java Joes uses locally grown coffee blended fresh everyday, topped with homemade whipped cream.

“If you are a coffee lover, you can tell from the aroma and flavor. You know the difference. Customers always get the best quality along with freshly baked goods and food,” he said.

“Customer service is more important and there is no compromise. You must be willing to go the extra mile to meet their expectations. People come here for so many different reasons. It’s not just to have some coffee,” it’s a need to unwind, he added.

Helping hands

Both Manju and Mahesh were born in Nepal, a landlocked country wedged between the Himalayas stretched across China and the bustling hub of India.

In April and May this year, Nepal was hit by devastating earthquakes, killing more than 9,000 people, destroying houses and historic monuments in remote areas away from the country’s capital. 


The devastation and the outpouring of help from the community prompted the creation of the Nepalese Community of Saipan, enabling the local community to donate food, clothes, construction materials and school supplies in order to aid in Nepal’s recovery.

Putting donation boxes in local markets, the couple offered what they could.

“We could not afford to ship the items so Manju left in May and distributed the donations directly to the remote areas,” Mahesh said.

Mahesh said that none would have been possible without the help of the community, their customers and other organizations who helped host a Run for Nepal event in June for earthquake survivors.

Reflecting on Typhoon Soudelor, which came only a month later, Mahesh expressed the sadness affecting the community and his determination to provide a place of solace.

“Everybody suffered. Homes were destroyed and some people were homeless. Our business was also partially affected,” saying that their kitchen was inoperable.

Despite this, reopening the coffee shop was critical for the business and for many people who could not prepare their food, charge their electronic devices, and who wanted to escape from the aftermath for a while.

“It was our opportunity to serve and once we knew we could open, we kept open to serve our community. We didn’t want to turn away families,” he said. “We opened in two different shifts. One in the morning and the other at night. It was very challenging but we had to do it. Everyday we lined up for ice to make sure we could serve the customers.”

The day after the typhoon, he said, safety was the primary issue. Debris cleaning and the fallen power poles were something they had to consider first.

‘Second home’

Getting to know their customers to customize their beverage option to fit dietary needs or to suit their palate is something the couple find enjoyable.

Mahesh said they aim to make their coffee shop a “second home for customers,” a welcoming place for those looking for a haven in what he calls paradise.

Although his personal favorite is the Americano, where only hot water is added to an espresso, Mahesh said their various selections of pearl shakes, fruit smoothies, and cappuccinos are also popular.

Serving 150 to 200 customers daily, they say their long-term goal is to open another small coffee shop closer to the central district.

However he says, “feedback is always important. We’re all human beings and there’s always room for improvement.”

In his experience as a small business, “if you keep your employees happy, your customers will be happy and you won’t have to worry.”

Open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm, Java Joes coffee shop and restaurant is located in Dan Dan across Joeten Supermarket.

Java Joe’s originally opened on March 7, 2005.