A downtown Belleville coffee shop closes after two years
Justitia’s Coffee House closed this week after two years in business.
The downtown Belleville cafe, located at 18 E. Main St., announced the closing this week.
“Much thought went into the ultimate decision to close our doors,” the announcement stated. “We are sad to be closing, but it is the best decision for the business.”
The business was last open Monday, according to employees at Belleville Books. Owner Cheryl Whitley was not immediately available for comment.
The historic, 3,200-square-foot building is for sale and includes a second-story office area currently occupied by Whitley’s law office. It is not yet known what her plans are for the office.
Whitley, a criminal justice attorney, bought the building and the former Joe & Onie’s coffee shop from Steve and Margie Hemmer in February 2024. At the time, she considered renting the upper level from Steve Hemmer for her office.
Her previous office was across the street at 27 E. Main St., so she was familiar with the cafe.
Hemmer, who was looking for a tenant, told Whitely that he was open to selling the building and the café. The lease with Whitley gave her right of first refusal if and when he decided to sell.
Whitley asked Hemmer for a number, so he gave one. She accepted and became the new owner of both the property and the cafe, changing only the name.
