Businesses Around East

By Ana Velasquez, October 24th 2024 

The businesses around East High School are what gets students through school, providing us with sweet treats, athletic boots, lunch and a general break from school. Companies and consumers are interdependent, and both the students and businesses benefit from each other.  

Java Jo’s  

I got the chance to speak to one of Java Jo’s baristas, Lily, on her opinions of the East High students.  

She says that most of her opinions on the students are positive, with a ratio of 70% positive to 30% negative, noting that the negative behavior is mainly from some of the boys who were reckless with Java’s cute Halloween tree ornaments. Other than that, she thinks that in the 30 seconds of interaction, a lot of the students at East are usually very sweet. 

I was also able to interview students and a teacher from East High school and get their opinions on Java Jo’s.  We can all agree that the service at Java Jo’s is amazing. 

 The baristas have so much personality by many calling them “big fashionistas”. Some of the most common comments from students concerning problems were that a lot of the drinks are a “hit or miss”.  

“The majority of the time, their lattes are great but I think it's so busy it causes really bad congestion that leads to lots of customers being rude but that’s no fault of them.  They're doing the best that they can,” said in my interview with Mrs. Wilson, who is a Java Jo’s latte enjoyer.   

Lots of people love Java’s pastries including their scones, bagels and muffins. Personally, I love their seasonal pumpkin chocolate chip muffin they have during the fall. Students, like myself, love having a place to have a coffee date with friends before, after school or during lunch.  

Although students say that the lines are a bit too long or there is not enough seating during lunch, overall, it’s a very friendly environment which is always so welcoming. So go ahead and support the local Java Jo’s by giving them your extra change and your East High love. 

 Tacos Mi Pueblito  

A little hint of home to the many Mexican students at East High. Tacos Mi Pueblito which was newly presented to East high students in 2023, has a variety of Mexican cuisine including the infamous tacos, burritos, sopes, elotes, and other known Mexican dishes. 

Along with Java Jo’s, it’s a very famous lunch spot for students and very filling instead of snacks. 

I talked to the cook of Tacos Mi Pueblito and he said overall the students of East and the few teachers that go by are good people or have a good vibe to them. He says individuals from East help a lot with business. He gave an example of being less busy and not making as much money during the fall break since students weren't in school to be able to buy food. 

 Students at East love the food served at the taco truck, with reasonable and affordable prices for an easy lunch. The cook is also very nice and does his best with getting food out quick even when there is a rush, being worth the money and refreshing your mood with the amazing food that is served to you. 

Give the local taco shop a try and don’t be afraid to try new things including the hot sauces and toppings that are offered after ordering, making your food so much better. 

 There’s lots of other food businesses around East high I want to show love to, talking on behalf of most East high students when I say that we appreciate them always treating us with respect and cooking up or making the best foods and drinks. Including the 7-11 next to the school opposite from Java Jo’s for still allowing students to shop there even if there’s been lots of incidents. And the businesses down on 9th and 9th giving us so much more including a break from our school lives.