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Not only are Monticello residents and other visitors caffeinated once again, but they also can select from a list of delicious breakfast sandwiches, burritos, bowls or pizza; and sandwiches, wraps or pizza, and soups or chili for lunch or meals on the go.

As of April 2021, Nikkoleen Bongard became the owner of Java Lava Café, formerly The Morning Mug coffee shop. The grand opening was May 11th, and the ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m., on September 15.

"We also have a great selection of sweets and treats including cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, and bagels," said Nikkoleen. "All items are made on-site and we will be adding cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and cake pops and if it wasn't for the pandemic, we'd have ice cream, too, but we're waiting for equipment."

Nikkoleen also plans to add protein shakes and more baked goods and other foods, and is open to suggestions.

Nikkoleen's husband, Dylan, and her daughters came up with the name, "because Java is a fun way to say coffee and its hot like lava." The logo also came from one of her daughters designing some ideas.

"It was a lot to take in by owning the building, managing a business and staff, and renting space to another business and a tenant," explained Nikkoleen. "But it is so fun and crazy busy. Besides, my daughters, Zoey, Izabel, and Rayne, love it and this summer the café was a hot spot for their friends and other kids. The couches were always full."

A few days after the café opened, Nikkoleen posted, "The last 72 hours have been a whirlwind of emotions! Excitement, nervousness, chaos, fear, worry. All to be met with amazing customers, such a wonderful staff, and successful days with very few hiccups."

Lots of changes for a family who moved from the DeForest area with Nikkoleen working for the City of Madison to owning a coffee shop in downtown Monticello, population 1,192.

Kesler's Kounty Kreations, owned by Angie Keller Kesler, also is open in the second level of Java Lava Café. The shop offers primitives, vintage, antiques, and handmade décor.

On the third Saturday of the month, Pastor Lance Smith, from the Zwingli United Church of Christ, has a jam session in Java Lava Café.

"We also sponsor Brent Edmund, who is a late model race car driver, donate to community fundraisers and plan to participate in local festivals and parades," added Nikkoleen. "For Monticello's Homecoming we offered a homecoming special including cream soda and root beer floats. Happy Homecoming!"

Nikkoleen also plans to host fundraisers for Monticello's recreational softball program, including a 50/50 raffle from November to January.

"We also have plans of a Green County Winter Run involving several of the bars and cafés that will benefit the Monticello Stocking Fund," added Nikkoleen. "This is a great program and really helps the community."

Some other ideas include a Chili Cook-Off or a farm-to-table event.

Java Lava employs two high school students and one full- and one part-time employee, including Theresa Komplin, who grew up in Monticello.

The hours for Java Lava Café are Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For updates and daily features, visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/thejavalavacafe or come to 203 N. Main Street Monticello, phone (608) 938-1168.