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Java Villa Cafe


Last Update: 10/07 3:08 pm
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WICHITA, Kansas – One local business is brewing up success. About 400 million cups of coffee are consumed every day, so it’s not surprising that even with Starbucks as his competition, a Wichita man’s business continues to boom.

It seems like more business owners like their jobs than those who work for someone else. Kevin Boyd owns Java Villa Café. He likes his profession in spite of the challenges.

“All I ever wanted to do in life was an opportunity to work 100 hours a week and I knew that nothing would really do that except having a restaurant,” said Kevin Boyd, owner of Java Villa Café.

He jokes, but Java Villa is the last standing ‘original owner’ coffee house in Wichita. All the others have changed hands or shut down. Kevin attributes much of his success to quality. He buys only fair trade coffees from just a few roasters. He makes all bakery goods from scratch.

A former economics professor, he used realistic projections by halving expected income and doubling expected expenses.

“There's no guarantee that you'll make your rent, make your payroll, let alone have anything left over,” he said.

Kevin opened Java Villa more than 11 years ago and as you can imagine, things would change over that period of time. So when a Starbucks opened in direct competition to him about four years ago, his plan was not to change, but to do better what he does best. He buckled down and focused on handcrafted foods and coffees. At a better price than what you'd pay at a corporate store.

Food service requires not only time, but it affects you financial and emotionally. Kevin has advice for someone who wants to go into business.

“Research it, the industry, research the area very well, do all of the due diligence that you can,” he said. “Plan -- have plenty of capital.”

Sixty percent of Java Villa’s business is retail and catering is growing. They can handle a small 25-person event on up to 1,500.

“We set up a full elegant espresso bar and do all latte's, espresso mochas, cappuccinos, chai teas, Ghirardelli hot chocolates,” he said.

Selling coffee may not seem exciting, but the way he does it, Kevin says it is very rewarding.

“I make things,” he said. “Whereas I used to just teach or sell things, now I actually make things. and I'm happy with that.”

Kevin is very conservative with growth projections; however, he would like another location – preferably with a drive-through window.

Java Villa Café is located at 7812 E. Harry in east Wichita and can be reached at 683-5282.

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