A year after changing ownership, Jupiter House has spiraled into an orbit of praise and profitability.

The establishment, purchased in October 2007 by Joey and Amy Hawkins, was singled out by the North Central Texas College Small Business Development Center at the September mayor’s breakfast for stimulating the downtown economy and “keeping the spirit of Denton alive.”

“They just made a pretty significant impact on the downtown Denton community in a fairly short period of time,” said Pam Livingston, certified business development specialist with the center.

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Joey and Amy Hawk celebrated the first anniversary of owning Jupiter House in October on the downtown Square.

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The coffeehouse topped about 200 other small businesses that were nominated, she said.

“The mayor of Denton allowed us to present the brightest success of the year,” Livingston said. “It’s a huge honor.”

An official nod, thanking Joey Hawkins for his contributions to the community, was given last month by Andre “Frenchy” Rheault on the side of one of his company’s iconic orange trucks.

And many residents share the same affinity for the business.

A group of businessmen gather around the rectangle wooden dining table near the front of the coffeehouse each morning during the workweek.

After trying several coffeehouses around Denton, the informal group found themselves gravitating towards Jupiter House until being pulled in, said Ralph Glass, a member of the group.

“Now that we’re stuck here, we like it,” Glass said.

Newly elected Precinct 1 county commissioner Hugh Coleman praised the local hangout during a morning gathering as the group discussed politics and life.

“It’s one of the best businesses in Denton and on the Square,” Coleman said.

Not many individuals in the group agree on politics, Glass said, but there is a common sentiment when it comes to Jupiter House: good coffee, friendly service.

Not to mention they get to keep a tab, the group said.

Joey Hawkins said an ever-evolving environment is key to keeping business fresh.

The walls of Jupiter House provide space for a monthly rotation of local artwork. Although the couple said they aren’t a gallery and don’t take a commission on the artwork, their shop will be an official stop on the upcoming Visual Arts Society Art Walk on Nov. 20.

“I didn’t realize people came in to look at the art,” Amy Hawkins said.

Other small businesses have cropped up inside the coffeehouse, most working out various deals involving the barter system.

For two hours a day, several days a week, massage therapist Michelle “Michi” Harper, sets up shop near the glass front doors.

The space and the coffee are exchanged for massage therapy for the shop’s employees.

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Clockwise from bottom center: Jupiter House employees Cristen Guest, Jeff Cox, Amy Hawkins, Terrell Quillin, Andy Wherry, Angelo Fesperman, David Harmon, Severo Camacho, Cat Hickman, Katherine Zipper, Joey Hawkins and Sadie Ryckoff are shown decked out in their Halloween best.

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Joey Hawkins said it’s hard to walk the fine line between being a profitable part of the Denton business community and becoming just another hangout place.

But the line that matters most — the bottom line — has steadily risen during the first year under the new ownership. A comparison of sales from October 2007 and last month showed an increase of 10 percent, he said.

The Hawkins, who are expecting a baby boy within the next few months, said they anticipate more growth in the spring and will likely add two to four more employees to help keep up with demand.

The coffeehouse recently purchased a newly refurbished espresso machine with a fourth spout and hired three new employees.

“Its customer-driven, but we are really trying all the time,” Joey Hawkins said. “We’re always looking at being better baristas.”

Continuous training is one way to accomplish that, he said.

Employee David Harmon was recently sent to compete at the South Central Regional Barista Competition.

Next month, the silver-lined, deep purple mural of Jupiter will once again rise over the coffeehouse counter.

The original mural artist, Sean Starr, will fly to Texas from San Francisco to repaint the back wall of the coffeehouse for the upcoming Jupiter Fest on Dec. 4, Joey Hawkins said.

The renewal of the Jupiter mural will likely become a tradition for years to come.

“It would be really cool to be 70 years old and still own the place,” he said.

CANDACE CARLISLE can be reached at 940-566-6889. Her e-mail address is ccarlisle@dentonrc.com.