Steve Franklin is originally from Bloomington, Indiana but has called Atlanta his home since 1997. His initial career was in IT consulting where 90% travel called for a lot of late nights on the road. On these occasions, he often went in search of the perfect hangout where he could relax, work on his projects and still enjoy a nice evening out, without feeling he was so far away from home. It is these experiences that helped form the JavaVino concept.

Heddy Kühl, a native of Nicaragua, has also made a profession of the IT industry, which explains how Steve and Heddy met. Her parents, Eddy Kühl and Mausi Hayn, have always been entrepreneurs in business, bought their coffee plantation in 1970 and have been producing high quality coffee since. With the start of JavaVino, Heddy is proudly a fifth generation coffee business person. Her knowledge of the industry and her unique creative vision gives JavaVino that extra touch that makes all the difference.

The Kühl Family is part of a long history of coffee producers, dating back to 1883. This time honored tradition goes back six generations in the cultivation of coffee. The tradition continues to this day, Eddy and Mausi Kühl have strived to achieve the ideals of sustainability at their estate, Selva Negra.

This picture from the late 1800's, of the three Baldizon sister demonstrates, the long tradition of coffee within the Kühl-Hayn. Left to right, Demetria Baldizon (Eddy's grandmother) married Otto Kühl. Rosenda Baldizon holding her daughter, Meta Baldizon, Rosenda married Alberto Vogl. Pina Baldizon married the gentleman to her side Transito Chaves. The three Baldizon sisters were the daughters of the former Governor of the Province of Matagalpa Matias Baldizon who was one of the first Nicaraguan coffee growers in Matagalpa, registered since 1883.

Heddy and Steve's vision on the surface is very simple. They want a great place to hang out both during the day and at night. A place that, during the day, offers an atmosphere conducive for small get-togethers, business meetings, studying, or relaxation. As the sun sets JavaVino will begin to focus on those needing to unwind. Our atmosphere will remain comfortable and relaxing as the pre-dinner and post-dinner customers come in to enjoy a nice conversation over a glass of wine without having to worry about hearing each other over excessively loud music.