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On Saturday morning, an existing
business celebrated some significant changes with a ribbon cutting
ceremony. Jackpot Junction, located at 709 Woodlawn Road has changed
ownership, has a new name, and is offering new products for local
consumers.
The new owner is Becky Patel of Champaign. She said she heard about
the business being for sale from a family member and thought it
would be a good business investment. The video gaming business is
well established, so the first step was simply the change in
ownership.
Becky assumed ownership with input from her brother Ravi and
sister-in-law Nehab. Ravi said that he and his wife have a passion
for good coffee and, noting the building had a drive-up window not
being utilized, they suggested adding coffee and Lotus Energy Drinks
on a grab and go basis.
To emphasize the new line, the name of the business was changed to
Jackpot Junction & Café. While it is not a traditional café, there
is a walk-in service counter as well as the drive-up window so
customers can make purchases as they see fit.
Lisa Pruitt, who oversees the gaming and alcohol portion of the
business, said that the Patels are definitely take action people. It
felt to her as though they talked about it one day and implemented
it the next. Quickly there were new people in the business and a new
stream of revenue.
The coffee and energy drink portion is being managed by Kamish
Patel.
Ravi said they have been working with
a Central Illinois coffee roaster, Columbia Street Roasters, and
have been very pleased with the service they receive through the
company.
Nehab added the coffee and energy
drinks are just the beginning. The next step is going to be adding
smoothies and dirty soda to the menu. Eventually they hope to add
pastries and other quick, portable breakfast items.
To help build the business and encourage customers to return, the
café will offer punch cards. Once a customer has purchased a
specified number of café beverages they will be able to redeem the
punch card for one free beverage.
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On Saturday, Lincoln Mayor Pro-Tem;
Ward Three Alderman Kevin Bateman was on hand for the ribbon cutting
along with Logan County Board Member Lance Conahan. The scissor was
manned by Becky with assistance from brother Ravi and baby Ruhi.
Prior to the cut, Bateman offered a brief comment, saying, “anytime
we can welcome a new business or see the rehab of an existing one
like now with the café, we’re very happy.” He welcomed the Patels to
the community and wished them great success on their new endeavors.
Ravi spoke saying that they were all
excited about being in Lincoln. He added that he was aware there
were several coffee establishments in Lincoln but still felt there
was room for more. He said that he is also excited about the future
and offering dirty sodas. That is a new style of beverage that not a
lot of people have heard about yet. Put simply it is regular
non-alcohol soft drink, made to order with various flavored syrups.
Surrounded by family and staff, the
group posed for a group shot, then Becky and Ravi did the honors of
snipping the ribbon on the newly revamped business.
The café portion of the business will be open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
daily, with the gaming portion closing at midnight.
[Nila Smith]
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