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LUZERNE — The Main Bean on Main Street in Luzerne brings a coffee house feel to a unique menu.

Jim Lane, a member of the Luzerne Merchants Association, has owned the business for almost four years and enjoys going to work every morning.

“Its always been my policy that if you don’t like a job, quit,” he said. “So, one day I told my daughters that I was going to open a coffee shop. They didn’t believe me.”

Jessica, a 2011 graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, immediately quit her job at another restaurant to join her dad, making the coffee, serving up scoops of ice cream, making sandwiches and taking time to get to know the customers.

Lane also sells antique furniture, which brings a homey feel to a somewhat trendy atmosphere.

While customers wait for their coffee to brew, they often take a minute to look at unique furniture items, which Lane said, are very reasonably priced.

Another unique element of the shop is a television area that provides comfortable chairs, a wide screen TV and access to Netflix.

On a recent afternoon, women gathered for a reading group, coffee and poetry in hand.

“It’s a really nice area to spend some time, drinking coffee and grabbing a bite to eat,” said Lane.

Although the eatery generally closes at 6 p.m., it regularly hosts events that bring local musical groups, the deaf community and other special interests to the shop to spend a few hours in a comfortable space with access to coffee, tea and other beverages and snacks.

Board games are on hand for those who want to spend time over coffee or ice cream rolling dice, moving game pieces and relaxing with friends.

For customer Morgan Anderson, the shop provides atmosphere and inspiration.

Anderson, who’s writing a book entitled “Aaron and the Hourglass,” goes to the coffee shop two or three times a week with his laptop and knows other potential authors who also write there.

Knowledgeable about computers, Anderson is quick to offer a bit of technical advise to Lane regarding the computer and social media.

Lane is quick to interface with other small businesses, selling such novelty items as essential healing oils and beekeeper’s honey.

More than just ownership of a business, Lane has found great fulfillment in the opening of the shop.

“I had three dreams in my life: to serve in the military, travel across the country and run a business,” he said. “I’m grateful to have been able to do all three.”

Jessica Lane is quick to bring fresh ideas to the shop, which serve to attract new customers and bring “regulars” out on a weekday evening.

A unique “Coffee and Canvas” event to be held Feb. 24 will provide opportunity for participants to create a piece of artwork in the midst of laughter and socializing.

“People can bring a bottle of wine if they want,” she said. “But if not, they can grab a cup of coffee or tea as they paint.”

As a single dad, Lane has always focused on his family.

He credits daughters Tiffany and Jessica with the support for his efforts.

Lane said since he opened the turnkey operation in June of 2012, the business has grown but has not always been profitable.

“But, there have been difficult times, difficult months,” he said. “Still, we’re almost ready to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Jessica and her dad Jim Lane run the Main Bean in Luzerne, a coffee shop, antique store and lounge that also hosts art shows.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL021416mainBean2.jpg.optimal.jpgJessica and her dad Jim Lane run the Main Bean in Luzerne, a coffee shop, antique store and lounge that also hosts art shows. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Jessica Lane makes a design in the steamed milk atop an espresso.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL021416mainBean3.jpg.optimal.jpgJessica Lane makes a design in the steamed milk atop an espresso. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Jessica Lane prepares an espresso at the Main Bean in Luzerne.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL021416mainBean1.jpg.optimal.jpgJessica Lane prepares an espresso at the Main Bean in Luzerne. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons