The sensational scent of freshly brewed coffee on a chilly October afternoon is quite possibly one of the most comforting fragrances my nose will ever encounter. The best part of going into a coffee shop is the aroma that fills the room, but it’s not just the coffee that really counts. I prefer the atmosphere a genuine coffee house gives me as well. I used to travel all the way to Biggby’s or even The Jackson Coffee Co. in downtown Jackson just to satisfy my cravings for a great coffee experience. Sure, Sacred Grounds brews delicious coffee, but it’s just not the same.

Lara’s Coffee House, located in the strip mall on M-60 right next to Hutch’s Food Center, is now my local outlet for great coffee and an even better atmosphere. The question is, however, what sets Lara’s Coffee Shop apart from the other two businesses that have tried and failed in that same location? “My goal is to meet the needs of people and have fun, not take advantage of them and the economy. I want to meet new people and make them feel welcome,” said Lara.

Speaking of grade A coffee, Lara’s Coffee House brews Jackson Coffee Co. coffee beans. I am absolutely thrilled with this because of my undying love for the Jackson Coffee Co. and its delicious coffee. If you have never had their coffee, I will tell you a million times over, you’re really missing out. Not only has Lara been using Jackson Coffee Co’s beans, but she uses other notable ingredients in her coffee such as Ghirardelli chocolate and she will soon be featuring homemade soups, salads, sandwhichs and wraps.

“I love to cook and bake. I’m really looking forward to opening up the menu to soups and sandwhiches. I will be offering more baked goods as well.” Lara said.

But for now she mainly has gourmet coffees and specialty drinks such as smoothies, frozen drinks, tea and simple baked goods like bagels, biscottis and muffins. “There’s something for everybody,” said Lara.

Lara’s Coffee House is actually a owned and opperated business. Lara’s daughter, Carrie, who is 10 years old helps her mom out when she’s not doing her school work or participating in Karate at The Academy of the Arts. When I visited, it was Carrie who was taking orders and preparing some of the drinks and pastries for the customers.

“I love helping my mom. I don’t do it for money, I do it because I want to and it’s fun,” Carrie said enthusiastically.

Lara said she has home schooled them all and believes that this is a good experience for them, “which is the most important thing about this business.”

The hours for the coffee house are 7 A.M. – 7 P.M. Monday through Thursday, 7 A.M. – 5 P.M. Friday and 9 A.M. – 1 P.M. on Saturday. “The hours may change sometime, once I get used to running this business,” Lara added.