Categories
Local Business Spotlight, Food & Drink, Local Life, Coffee, CommunityPublished November 18, 2025
Java Hut: The Little Drive-Thru with a Big Heart in Eagle River
Welcome to the Eagle River Community Spotlight! Today, we’re highlighting a local fixture that proves a fast-moving business can still have a huge impact.
In a town where change is constant, there are certain fixtures that feel like coming home. For so many residents of Eagle River, Java Hut is an essential daily stop. This fast-moving, friendly drive-thru that serves up far more than just coffee is a daily serving of loyalty, care, and familiar faces.
A Legacy of Loyalty, Built on Coffee and Community Roots
The story of Java Hut's success is tied directly to its owner, Becca Long. Becca has worked at the Hut for a total of eleven years with the first five of which were spent being an employee. She then took ownership on October 1, 2019, dedicating the last six years to the business. That personal history made the moment Becca took over amazing due to the years of preparation and positive feedback from the community. Though she updated the look with a new coat of paint, to include a beautiful mural from local artist Emily Thompson, and a fresh logo, Becca made the heartfelt decision to keep the Java Hut name. Her goal is to "keep as much of old Eagle River as possible" by preserving a name everyone knows and trusts.
The Java Hut Family
At the heart of the Hut's enduring appeal is its people. Becca proudly describes her tight-knit team as passionate, loyal, and funny, with minimal turnover over the years to prove just that. Why do they stay? Java Hut isn't just a workplace; it's a family. This sense of loyalty extends directly to the customers. Becca, along with managers Addi and Autumn, and employees Jolie, Maddie, Zoe, Justice, and Kylie, share a deeply personal connection with the community. They estimate they know hundreds of people not just by their faces, but by their names and their favorite drink orders. It's about making every person who drives through feel seen. Becca and her team hope that every visitor leaves feeling cared for and listened to.
Most popular drinks:
- Classic White Mocha (Morning)
- Surprise Redbull or Lotus (Afternoon)
Even the staff have favorites:
- Addi's Iced Vanilla Chai with Raspberry
- Autumn's Iced Americano half-sweet Caramel Cream with Caramel Drizzle
- Becca's rotation of unique Redbull flavor mixes and Iced Black Raspberry Green Tea.
Community is the Main Ingredient
Java Hut's commitment to Eagle River is evident in both their sourcing and their service. They proudly utilize local resources, featuring:
- Serranos Mexican Grill off Tudor for Breakfast Burritos
- Illusions Food Company for Delicious Baked Goods
- Kat's Epic Trail Bites
- Linford of Alaska
- Alaska Berry & Board
This local focus extends to their participation in town life. Java Hut actively shows up by catering for local events, including:
- Lion's Park 4th of July Event
- Chugiak High School and Eagle River High School Dances
- Chugiak High School Football Games
For those who want to take a piece of Java Hut home, they offer great merchandise:
- Hoodies
- Cups
- Stickers
- With plans to expand their selection soon!
Hours of Operation & Current Specials
Winter Hours
Sunday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday - Friday 5:15 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday 6:00AM - 6:30 PM
Summer Hours
Sunday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday - Friday 5:15 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 6:00AM - 7:00 PM
Ask about the November Specials on your next visit, featuring drinks like:
- Toffee Bliss Macchiato
- Pecan Pie Frappe
- Cranberry Cloud with Vanilla Cloud Foam!
Next time you need a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up, skip the chain and drive through Java Hut. It’s more than just a quick stop, it’s where Eagle River goes to feel like family. Stop by today and taste the community spirit!
