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Duffy’s even weathered the 2009 recession and said the support of family and friends who “jumped onboard” made it possible, as well as common sense and loyal customers. “You have to be wiling to work hard,” Duffy said. “You have to be patient. In times of discouragement, I worked hard, waited, and had great support while waiting for something to happen. And then it did.” That “something” is a successful small business in downtown Joliet, which is how Duffy describes the last five years. Duffy has no plans to move or expand her location. “We’re just going to get better and better,” Duffy said. “We love our customers and I hope they know that.” I n a text message Duffy said some customers have patronized Jitters "from day one," walking walk five blocks in all types of weather for breakfast and lunch. Today, it's not just downtown businesses and their employees who stop at Jitters. "People do just come downtown to come to Jitters," Duffy said. "But there were a lot of years it wasn't like that." Duffy feels Jitters' ability to withstand the leaner days was also due to Duffy's goal for the venue. "My goal was never to become independently wealthy and I think that's why I never gave up," Duffy said in a text message. "Our goal is to be accepted and loved buy our community for what we created. And when we reach that goal, it's the best feeling ever." Duffy called Jitters “an amazing place.” Here's why.
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Jitters is located in a building Duffy said dates back to the mid-19th century, which makes its atmosphere unique, she said, especially for a history-lover like herself. “I don’t think there’s many places like ours at all,” Duffy said. “We have 14-foot high ceilings, exposed brick and original floors. It’s just a great space.” Also, Joliet has a community of small businesses that chose to establish themselves in downtown Joliet on purpose, because they believe in the area and hope in its revitalization, she said. Duffy also grew up in Joliet and her mother once worked in downtown Joliet, contributing to Duffy’s sense of belonging. “This is where we live; this is our home,” Duffy said. “We’re like a family. Downtown Joliet is that special to us." Pictured above is an all-natural fruit mango smoothie.
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Jitters is customizes its food and for drink, Duffy said. Jitters offers a full menu of “really good food,” giving the customers more choices than “Oh, I’ll just grab a scone or a flatbread,” Duffy said. For instance, a unique sauce can turn an ordinary turkey sandwich into something special, Duffy said. In addition, Duffy shops daily for fresh ingredients “Everything” is cut and prepped just hours before service and salads are made to order, she said. Above: Jitters' signature wraps made for a catering order.
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“We really care about making you happy,” Duffy said. “We use high quality ingredients in our foods, and we keep the menu changing all the time. “ Jitters serves sandwiches, salads, paninis, wraps, soups and pastries. These last are not baked in house, but they do come from local bakeries, such as Milano Bakery, Duffy said. “But the big thing of our business is our coffee,” Duffy said.Pictured above: Chicken Caeser and Greek salad
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Jitters uses Intelligentsia coffee, which is known for its quality, Duffy said. In addition to “in excess of a hundred” flavor combinations, Duffy said Jitters has espresso, America no, double cappuccino, lattes and a wide variety of coffee blends. “I have an amazing respect for coffee,” Duffy said. “My kids will tell you. I love coffee for the way it makes me feel. I could be having a bad say, and I just take a drink of coffee, and I just feel better. I just love it.” Duffy said flavors especially appeal to students from Joliet Central High School and the downtown locations of Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis. "But it’s not just our coffee,” Duffy said. “We have matcha agree tea, smoothies and chia drinks. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, there’s something for you down there.” Pictured above: iced caramel macchiato with whipped cream and caramel drizzle
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IF YOU GO WHAT: Jitters WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday thorugh Friday WHERE: 178 N. Chicago St. Joliet INFORMATION: Call 815-740-0048 or visit Jitters on Facebook. Pictured above: hot vanilla chai latte