Margie's Java Joint

Margie's Java Joint is the perfect combination of classic and quirky. Guests come for a cup of coffee and leave with a one-of-a-kind local art experience.

Originally opening in 1992 and attached to a textbook store called The Book Stop, which was sold nearly a decade later in 2001, Margie's Java Joint has gone through changes over the years. After transitioning ownership, Margaret, the daughter of the original owners, purchased the business in 2018 with her husband, Justin Ghofrani, and reopened the beloved cafe with new twists.

“We really tried to hang onto some of the aesthetic features from the old days, but we definitely started kind of a new vibe," she says. Some of the decor remains from the original Margie's including the baby in the floor, wall mural, old soda fountain and back counterpiece, but Margaret wanted to incorporate local art when they first opened in 2018.

According to Margaret, Margie's has always had a reputation for local art. "Margie’s has always been kind of a hub for artists in general, sort of an artists gathering place.... People have always come to Margie’s for the coffee, of course, and now the food as well, but I think the local art is a huge part of the Margie’s experience,” she says.

With the help of Danyelle Butler, market manager for Margie's, Margie's Market was launched. As a ceramicist, Danyelle was already very involved with Greeley's art scene and was able to establish relationships with local artists to retail local art. Margie's Market has become a popular attraction. “We do have a pretty strong waitlist as well. Thankfully there is no shortage of local art for us to sell," Margaret says.

Margie’s Java Joint shares the namesake of Maragret’s grandmother, Margarie, who pioneered the original bookstore in which Margie’s came to be. “Her legacy Is very strong around here, and I’m not necessarily named after her, but our names are pretty similar so it’s very fun to be able to carry on that legacy,” she says.

Margie’s has also rolled out a new business model offering beer, wine and craft cocktails after 4 pm. As such, Margaret looks forward to offering more events such as live music and art showcases.

Margie’s Market retails art from the following local artists:

- Akinz (Suzanne Akinz): Silkscreen apparel & knit goods

- Alex Jennes: Pottery

- Ambrette Gilkey: Jewelry & Linocut Prints

- Amy Jerihian: Jewelry & Art Cards

- Amy Baird: Mugs

- Art Haus Ceramics (Danyelle Butler): Pottery

- BEQUE Textiles (Courtney Archibeque): Upcycled Textiles

- Betony Coons: Paintings

- COCOSwan Leather Craft (Francisco Martinez): Leather Goods

- Erin Joy: Jewelry & Illustrations

- Fern Spike Art (Arprita Choudhry): Illustrations