Nestled along the East Fork River The Riverside Coffee Mill is Batavia’s most unusual new business addition. With the court moving down the road (and taking most of the daily business customers with them) many local businesses are struggling as never before. The once fairly thriving Batavia downtown is now more like a Batavia ghost town. I’ve often wondered why. Many towns without courts are doing just fine. Not many of them have the awesome view as the riverfront properties in Batavia have either. The East Fork river is beautiful and clean. It has always been a fisherman and boater hot spot. It seems to me if Batavia would bother to take advantage of this scenic natural resource it would bring a much needed customer base for the Batavia businesses.
It sure worked for Loveland.
The owners of the Riverside Coffee Mill didn’t wait around for Batavia to make the first move, they jumped in head first and set up shop right on the bank. Remodeling a beautiful building into a family friendly coffee shop was the focus. Serving up great drinks, sandwiches and delicious desserts was the game plan.
Great drinks they have. All sorts of gourmet coffee beans get ground daily to provide the different varieties of Joe they serve. Coffee drinks are accompanied by equally impressive fruit smoothies and coffee free blended cremes. If it’s more of a “soup and sandwich” thing your craving they have the daily deals on the blackboard. Riverside whips up a mean tuna (or chicken) salad sandwich. They serve it on a Rosemary Ciabatta roll or a toasted croissant. Both are great.
If coffee and dessert is more your thing your in luck. Riverside has enlisted the baking magic of the Anderson based company “Flour Power”. This place dishes out some delectable desserts... daily. Connoisseurs of the sweet treats will just fall in love when they see the Flour Power creations on their plate. Maybe even through the glass.
This little cafe is a truly refreshing addition to the Eastside let alone Batavia. The owners are keeping it fresh and friendly. They are also keeping it fun, Riverside has begun hosting an Open Drum Circle. Bring your own drum of course. Everything else you need you can leave up to them.
I think what Batavians need is a little more of Riverside’s entrepreneurial spirit. Batavia’s not coming to the rescue people. However, Riverside Coffee Mill is living proof no one needs Batavia’s help anyway.
The Riverside Coffee Mill owners put their faith in their business and their product. Let’s hope more entrepreneurs are inspired by Riverside’s success and follow suit. Go check them out, they deserve it.

I feel a kayak trip from the spill way to the Riverside coming on!