"Julie McGunegle is a busy, loving mom minding her own business in West Jefferson." Photo by Vicki Randolph.

 

West Jefferson Coffee House on the back street in down- town is one of the most popular spots in West Jefferson. Not only is it the perfect place to grab great coffee and sweet treats, it is also a place to meet smiling faces and make new friends. Shop owner, Julie McGunegle, is one of the reasons why it’s the place to be.

As a single mom who left a good job in the big city, Julie moved her family to the High Country to start life anew. She took a risk to follow her dream of owning a business and rearing her children in a small community. The risk has paid off in personal satisfaction, if nothing else.

“I drove through West Jefferson once, and I knew this was where I wanted to be,” she says. She speaks so fondly of Ashe County and the community she has come to love and know as home. “It kind of reminds me of the town in Northern Exposure, with all of the different characters coming together with all of their different backgrounds to form one community.”

Characters are not in short supply at the Coffee House, that’s for sure. The coffee bar is always full of familiar faces and, if strangers happen to drop in, they aren't strangers for long. After just a few minutes, it’s as if everyone Julie meets is an old friend. That's part of what makes a visit to the cafe so enjoyable. Everyone is always welcome and can stay as long as he or she likes.  Also, it’s often reminiscent of the TV show Cheers. When the front door opens, everyone turns to offer a welcome word or glance. It's a place where everybody knows everyone else by name.

When asked why she made the big move to Ashe County, Julie responds, “I was working for US Air, on the ramp loading bags. I just couldn't take that until retirement.  My forte is customer service, at which I also worked for US Air, but I wanted to work for myself, so I just took the leap.”

She emptied her hard-earned 401K, spent her life’s savings, and accepted some help from family. She has no regrets and is glad that she made the move to open her own coffee house.

As a single mom, running her business presents quite a challenge, but ongoing moral support from friends and family is a tremendous help. Her daughter Mary, age 12, often keeps her company in the coffee shop after school and on the weekends. Mary is very involved in hometown sports and can usually be seen wearing her basketball or softball uniform, or sporting her favorite Red Sox colors.

Julie also has a sweet, 13-year-old son named Clay, who is severely autistic and who attends a middle school class tailored to his needs. Julie is one of the area’s most visible proponents for autism and often fundraises and helps sell crafts made by Clay's class. Parenting an autistic child is just one more challenge that Julie takes in stride. It's also one more reason why she loves Ashe County so much. “The people and the school system in this county have been so good with him,” she says.

The West Jefferson Coffee House has been in business for four years. Its current (and second) location is much roomier, though cozier at the same time, than was the former shop. When stepping through the door from the back street, one is immediately welcomed by enticing aromas and surrounded by relaxing, warm colors, comfy couches, roomy tables and local artwork. There are books to peruse, magazines to read, and table games to play as well as wireless Internet access for those who must continue working in the calming atmosphere.

Not only does Julie serve up hot coffees, teas, cappuccinos, and espressos, she also keeps a variety of tasty treats on hand – chocolate cake, brownies, cheesecake, carrot cake, muffins and homemade cookies to name a few. She serves lunch every day, too, usually homemade soups and grilled sandwiches. And on a hot summer day?  Icy-cold flavored frappoccinos are the most popular drink.

Julie McGunegle's days are all very full — full of minding her own business, raising her children and loving friends, family and a community of which she has become an integral part.  She loves having her own coffee house and providing a place for people to gather.
Julie’s West Jefferson business is everyone's business, so if you don’t already know about it, stop in and make it your business to see what it’s all about.