By Sarah Wegelin
Jita’s Café offers more than just a cup of coffee and delicious food.
It has been a community hub for locals, travellers, and artists alike since owner, Kuljit Jaswal opened its doors on March 4, 2002.
Jaswal explains over the years many memories have been created at the cafe and she still loves making drinks and food for her customers.
“It feels really fantastic to be a part of such an amazing community,” Jaswal says.
As a community hub, Jita’s Café has become an integral part of the community of Golden. Popular menu items, such as Jita’s burrita, veggie wrap, and the chicken or chick pea curry bring locals and travelling “regulars” back to the café for more.
Jaswal explains not only has the café enabled her to make a living, but also a life in the community.
“I love Golden and everything it has to offer and knowing that Jita’s plays some miniscule part in that makes me full of gratitude and joy. It is a special thing, to be a part of people’s lives on a regular basis,” she says.
Over the years, Jaswal says many special memories have been made in the café, from a visit from singer/songwriter, Michael Franti, to hosting the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for a morning radio show, to being featured in National Geographic’s travel magazine as one of the top 25 things to do in the Kootenays.
Jaswal says she likes to think of the café as “an oasis in the middle of a desert,” like one of her customers going through town put it.
She says she would like to continue creating memories and being an oasis in the community for many more years to come.
Jita’s Café is a cozy, casual café that offers couches for sitting, a grassy outdoor space for eating and drinking a cup of coffee; and is a welcoming environment for kids.
Featured artists showcase their work on the walls of the café.
Open everyday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., the menu offers a good variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It is located at 1007 11 Ave. S.
