Step inside ColJac Artisan Café and you’ll instantly notice it’s not your average coffee shop. The warm smell of fresh bread baking, the cheerful hum of conversation, and the splash of Italian colors against the warm brick walls all hint that this downtown Farmington staple is equal parts café, and community hub.
Since opening its doors on June 3, 2015, ColJac’s has been brewing more than just coffee—it has brewed connection. Co-owner Jessica Goff remembers those whirlwind beginnings vividly. “We had just two months to prepare before Country Days,” she recalls with a laugh. “We drove around Missouri visiting our favorite cafés, asking questions, taking notes, and imagining what ColJac’s could become.” The name itself is a nod to the café’s very first home, a corner spot on Columbia and Jackson streets. What began with a handful of investors and a novel idea has now grown into a bustling destination in the heart of downtown where flavor and hospitality intertwine.
Food has always been at the heart of ColJac’s. With a Baking and Pastry degree from Forest Park Community College and time spent in Italy learning the art of cooking, Jessica insisted the café had to be more than a coffee stop—it had to be an artisan experience. “Everything had to be as fresh and from scratch as possible,” she says. “Even the sandwiches only made sense to me if they were served on homemade bread.” That dedication shows up in every bite. Paninis press together layers of warm, melty goodness. Wraps and quesadillas fill the menu with variety, while soups in the winter and salads in the summer give guests plenty to choose from. And then there’s the pizza—yes, even pickle pizza. “It’s one of my personal favorites,” Jessica admits with a grin. “Don’t knock it until you try it.”
Even the names of the dishes carry a sense of place. The Murphy Turkey sandwich nods to Murphy’s Settlement, and other menu items pull inspiration from local landmarks, giving the café’s menu hometown soul. Paired with its artisan flavors, ColJac’s drinks are just as enticing. Beans sourced from a small St. Louis roaster make every cup of coffee bold and smooth, while house specialties keep the options creative and versatile. Their chai is crafted in-house, lattes are topped with hand-whipped marshmallows, and seasonal favorites like Highlander Grog never fail to draw a loyal following. For those who enjoy a playful twist, ColJac’s is licensed to serve alcohol and offers boozy hot chocolates, rumchata chais, spiked frozen lemonades, and other sips that can make even an ordinary Tuesday feel like a celebration. Soon, guests can also look forward to fresh organic juices, available at the café’s new pickup window expected to open this fall.
Inside, the café reflects Jessica’s Italian heritage and inspiration. Photographs from her café tours in Italy line the walls, and the colorful exterior is painted in traditional Italian design. “The Italian café culture is in my blood,” Jessica says. “It’s about slowing down, sharing good food, and enjoying time together.” That philosophy makes ColJac’s more than a café—it's Parkland's favorite gathering place, built on family values and community pride. Families linger over coloring stations and board games, while business leaders hold meetings a few tables away. Students connect to the café’s Wi-Fi to study with a latte in hand, while friends gather for a relaxed lunch.
Beyond its welcoming walls, ColJac’s invests deeply in the Parkland community. The café sponsors racecars, the Farmington Area Swim Team, Help the Hungry, and countless youth sports programs. This summer, Jessica and her team added a new layer to their story with the ColJac Loft BNB, a charming two-bedroom Airbnb perched right above the café. Opened in July, it’s already poised to be a favorite for visitors attending downtown events like Blues, Brews & BBQ or Country Days, offering convenient and stylish lodging just steps away from the action.
Looking to the future, ColJac’s is updating its patio with a new awning and hopes to once again host outdoor events and live entertainment. For Jessica, those plans tie into her broader vision for downtown Farmington. “I’d love to see downtown become even more of a family-friendly destination,” she says. “We want ColJac’s to be right in the middle of that growth.”
With every loaf of bread pulled fresh from the oven, every latte topped with a house-made marshmallow, and every conversation that lingers over lunch, ColJac Artisan Café proves far more than a coffee shop. It’s a place where Farmington gathers, connects, and celebrates community—one cup at a time.
It’s not just coffee—it’s an artisan experience in the heart of Farmington.
From scratch-made bread to house-crafted chai, every detail at ColJac’s is intentional.