Hoping to provide Eastern students and Charleston residents with a bar alternative, Jackson Avenue Coffee is slated to open on April 1.

The coffee shop, located at 708 Jackson Ave., is owned by Ryan and Dulcy Dawson.

“We felt like we wanted to do a bar alternative for students,” Dulcy Dawson said.

Although they have not done anything similar to this in the past, Dulcy has worked at coffee shops in the past in Holland, Mich. and in Amsterdam.

“I just really like interacting with the people,” she said.

The Dawson’s coffee house, which is being managed by Evan and Terah Kubicek, will have a full-scale espresso bar, muffins, cheesecake, brownies, bagels and small lunch items such as sandwiches and salads.

Checker and chess boards, comfortable couches and love seats and a stage are just some features that the house will offer.

“It’s a place people can hang out, a place people can relax and unwind,” Evan Kubicek said.

The Dawson’s plan is to bring in acoustic rock bands with Celtic and tribal undertones. Madison Green, known for their drumming, will perform on April 12.

“We’re open to anything. We really want to go off with what students tell us. We really hope to have college students, along with meeting the needs of Charleston as well,” Dulcey Dawson said.

However, there still is work left to be done. The coffee bar must be installed, and plumbing and electrical work have yet to be completed. The bathroom and kitchens also need some upgrades, she added.

Dawson’s will be open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to

10 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.