Originally established in November 2019, the coffee house relocated to an off-the-street location along NASA Parkway in December 2020, Wilkinson said he never advertised the relocation or grand opening and relied solely on support from local patrons.
“We kind of like being out of the way. It makes you feel like it's more your place,” Wilkinson said. “The way you know about [Java Owl] is you either stumble across us or someone tells you about it. For me, it's about how many times do you see [the same] faces? That's how I gauge [the business’ success].”
The setting inside Java Owl Coffee House lends to the home-style environment Wilkinson said he aims to create.
Soft, warm lighting; lounge chairs, swings and sofas; bookshelves; a piano and guitar for customers to pick up and play; as well as locally-crafted mugs and drink-to-table service; all highlight the cozy vibe and encourage conversation, Wilkinson said.
“People come here for the atmosphere,” Wilkinson said. “If they’re in a rush, they’re not going to come here.”
“This was a place that I wanted to go, just like every drink here is a drink that I want to drink,” he said.
Wilkinson makes the syrup for Java Owl’s sweet lavender lattes himself, which he attributes to it being their number-one selling latte.
This personalized touch can be found in other drink concoctions, such as the honey owl, chai tea and the citrus mocha—a coffee suggested by a customer that employs zested orange peel in an espresso, Wilkinson said.
“We’ve earned [Nassau Bay’s support] through our drinks, through our interactions, and really building and fostering a care community and coffee type of atmosphere,” Wilkinson said.
- 1354 E. NASA Parkway, Ste. J, Houston
- Facebook: Java Owl Coffee House
