Jaco Juice and Taco opened in Media in 2015. It first opened in West Chester in 2013 as a "juice bar" with a large open window facing the street in front to provide that "indoor/outdoor" feel. The concept was developed by my former partner, anchored around healthy food and drink with a SoCal vibe, something really not present on the East Coast.
After retiring in 2018, when the opportunity presented itself to get involved in Jaco, I dove right in! My former partner created an incredible brand, and I was brought in to take Jaco to the next level with my experience; I was a CPA and worked in Corporate America for 40 years. It provided the best of all opportunities for me, as I always had a passion for customer relationships and businesses. First, to work on the business side of Jaco to expand our customer ordering channels. Then, I was able to do everything I couldn't do in a corporate setting. I now get to work with my hands. I see immediate results. I get to know all about people.
In 2022, we became sole owners of Jaco, and it became an opportunity to build and nurture something together with my best friend for over 40 years; my wife Donna. Now that our son Matt has joined the business, it truly is a family affair. The most important thing to our family is that our staff, and our customers, feel like they are treated like family.
After both living through serious illnesses, Donna and I understand the importance of both physical and mental well-being. Everything at Jaco is made from fresh ingredients and pretty much every day serves as either our own breakfast, lunch or snack. We also participate in weekly group sessions with parents and grandparents to share and listen, keeping our minds fresh and healthy.
Donna and I insist on directly procuring certain ingredients to guarantee uncompromising freshness and flavor, in addition to having excellent produce and dry goods suppliers. Matt or I directly deliver lunches to a nearby school twice a week, something we would be happy to do for other schools. I "man the grill" all day on Wednesdays. Small business is 24/7, and honestly, it is the thing I love about it, as there is a direct relationship between what you pour into it and the success of the company.
West Chester and Media both offer a village vibe and a true sense of community. We've lived together with these towns through both the highs and the lows. When COVID hit, the reason Jaco survived was because of our customers who kept coming. Over the past decade, Media has been an awesome spot and we are grateful to the thousands of loyalty members we've been honored to serve. We and our fellow businesses on State Street have been challenged this year. We love Media, and with all the recent improvements made to the town, particularly the Plum Street Courtyard, we have faith people will return and once again Media will serve as "the place to go."
Jaco Juice and Taco Media
21 W State St, Media, PA 19063
jacojuiceandtaco.com