The story of Ginger House Coffee begins in late 2002, when entrepreneur Joanne "Jo" Weaver purchased a modest local café at 4860 East Main Street in Berlin, Ohio. Jo transformed this space into Java Jo Coffee Bar, one of the first specialty coffee shops in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country—a region previously without big-chain coffeehouses.
Java Jo quickly became known as "the coffee shop where everyone knows your name" and a "home away from home" for both locals and visitors. The business centered on being a true community hub, serving quality espresso drinks, brewed coffees, and light café fare in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
During its decade-long run, Java Jo Coffee Bar grew into more than just a place for a caffeine fix—it became a social center. The café hosted local events and live music, supporting regional artists and creating a vibrant gathering spot. Its success led to expansion with a second drive-through location opening in nearby Millersburg in 2007.
After nearly ten years of building community around great coffee, Jo Weaver stepped away from Java Jo in late 2012. The property didn't remain idle for long. By mid-2013, the café reopened under new ownership with a fresh vision and a new name: Ginger House Coffee.
The Ginger House Era
The transition to Ginger House Coffee marked a new chapter for 4860 E Main Street. While maintaining the friendly service and quality coffee that Java Jo patrons loved, the new owners expanded the business model in exciting ways: The café introduced an enhanced food menu featuring breakfast sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads—positioning Ginger House as a full café suitable for meals, not just coffee breaks.
Our beverage selection grew to include over 40 flavored syrups and signature drink creations. Traditional espresso drinks were featured alongside alternative beverages, appealing to diverse tastes and preferences.
A New Chapter Begins
On December 15, 2020, Ginger House Coffee entered a new era when ownership changed hands once again. The transition happened quietly—never publicly announced on social media or in profiles—allowing the coffee shop's cherished reputation to continue seamlessly while improvements took place behind the scenes.
What sealed the deal for the new ownership was a simple yet profound insight from the previous owners: "The people who work here" were identified as the most special aspect of the business. This human-centered perspective affirmed that with the right team, any challenges could be overcome, setting the foundation for the next chapter of Ginger House Coffee.
Since the 2020 transition, substantial yet thoughtful upgrades have transformed the experience without disrupting the café's beloved character. Nearly 95% of the equipment in both the kitchen and coffee bar has been replaced with state-of-the-art alternatives. Also, they have added new equipment such as state of the art 3 group La Marzocco to increase capacity without compromising on quality and speed of service.
These strategic investments allow the café to serve more customers efficiently during peak hours while maintaining the high-quality standards that set Ginger House Coffee apart. The menu has evolved with improved recipes featuring higher-quality ingredients, while maintaining favorite items that regulars cherish.
The coffee program itself received special attention with a change in espresso beans and the introduction of innovative brewing equipment. The café now employs a unique coffee brewing system that combines immersion, agitation, and vacuum brewing—designed to extract maximum flavor while maintaining efficiency. The current owners introduced pour-overs and other specialty caffeinated drinks, expanding the options for coffee enthusiasts. They also added popular items like grain bowls (power bowls), bubble tea, chai tea, matcha and pittas to the menu. A significant improvement has been the introduction of locally sourced hydroponic greens for fresher, more sustainable salads—an innovation brought by the new owners that elevates the quality of the café's food offerings.
During this evolution, some previous offerings were phased out to make room for these new specialties. The self-serve frozen yogurt bar was discontinued before 2021, and hand-dipped ice cream service ended in 2022, allowing the café to focus on its core strengths in coffee and fresh food.
Physical spaces within the café have been thoughtfully updated to create more contemporary, comfortable seating areas that accommodate both groups and individuals seeking solitude. These improvements reflect a deep understanding of what makes a "third space" work—a place between home and work where community happens naturally.
The local response to these subtle yet meaningful changes has been overwhelmingly positive, with customer numbers growing year after year. Perhaps most rewarding for the current owners is witnessing multiple generations of families—parents with their children, and in some cases grandchildren—gathering in this historic space. This multigenerational appeal speaks to Ginger House Coffee's successful evolution into a true community cornerstone, focused on creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who walks through its doors.
Through this quiet transformation, Ginger House Coffee has honored its roots while subtly elevating every aspect of the customer experience—all without drawing attention away from what matters most: the coffee, the food, and the people who make it all possible.
Our Community Impact
Throughout these changes, Ginger House Coffee has maintained a positive impact on our community. The café continues to be a social center on Berlin's Main Street—a place where locals gather for morning coffee and tourists find a welcoming respite when visiting Amish Country.
We proudly participate in Berlin's downtown festivals and community events, and sometimes host small community group meetings. Our combination of quality coffee, free Wi-Fi, and ample seating makes Ginger House both a community center for residents and a comfortable spot for travelers.
Today, Ginger House Coffee shares its historic building with complementary businesses including Hush Hair and Nature's Blessings, creating a vibrant destination for visitors seeking coffee, wellness, and beauty services all in one stop. As Ginger House Coffee continues to thrive under its current ownership, we remain committed to our heritage of brewing comfort and community one cup at a time.