When approached by the developers of Sterling Frisco to be the gourmet coffee shop presence, it didn't take much persuasion for owner and founder of Jammin Java Brandon Karn to consider.

Located at 413 N. West Avenue, Sterling Frisco is a newly-built apartment complex aiming to provide off-campus urban living for University of Arkansas students. In addition to Jammin Java, the facility offers a resort-style saltwater pool, tanning center, fitness center, game room and computer center.

"That corner is on the path to being one of the busiest foot traffic areas. There will be over 1,000 new beds on that block, and [it is] close to the trail system and bus stops," Karn said.

"I'm told it's a good spot to stop because it's before the big incline," he added.

The addition of hand-scooped ice cream, shakes, floats and sundaes strengthens the appeal during the summer months.

The Sterling Frisco location serves a variety of Edy's ice cream including cookie dough, espresso chip, chocolate, vanilla bean, cookies 'n cream, strawberry, orange sherbert and fat-free vanilla chocolate.

Ice cream is offered in three sizes, and options include a waffle cone or dipped waffle cone. Sundaes include a hot fudge sundae, brownie sundae, double cookie sundae or a banana split.

Shakes, floats and hot floats -- with coffee or hot chocolate poured over ice cream -- are offered as 12-ounce, 16-ounce or 20-ounce portions.

Although the ice cream novelties are only at Sterling Frisco, all locations of Jammin Java serve iced coffees, coffee chillers and smoothies to quench the summer heat.

All-natural smoothie varieties include peach, mango, strawberry, raspberry, banana, lemonade, Pina Colada or a blend of these flavors.

Coffee chillers are a blended, frozen version of caffeinated treats including cappuccino, mocha, white chocolate mocha, vanilla caramel or chai latte. There is also a Cookie Dough Decadence, White Chocolate Cookie Chiller and the Sleepy Monkey.

Karn recognizes the need for some grocery items for the Sterling Frisco residents and provides a cooler with milk, eggs, Gatorade, soda, water and Red Bull. A Boar's Head cooler offers premium meats like salami and pepperoni, crumbled blue cheese, pickle spears, mustard and Remoulade.

Shelves by the register offer candy bars, granola bars and gum. Additionally, the shop carries toilet paper, paper towels, tissues and War Eagle Mill oats, biscuit mix, pancake mix and flour.

The residents of Sterling Frisco can take advantage of in-house delivery to the rooms and courtyard between 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

"The hours of delivery may be extended to include breakfast hours if there is a demand for it," Karn said.

Breakfast is served beginning at 7 a.m. Monday-Saturday. The Sterling Frisco location doesn't open until 11 a.m. on Sunday.

"We also have a lot of grab-and-go offerings, pre-made breakfast, lunch and dinner items for folks to grab on their way to the hill or back up to their room or to the pool area," Karn said.

While best known for its fresh brewed coffee and espresso drinks, Jammin Java offers a broad selection of delicatessen-style eats.

Quick-order items include muffins, bagels, cookies, brownies and dessert bars. Freshly prepared hot breakfast items includes a breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy, breakfast panini and steel-cut oats with fruit and honey.

For lunch and dinner, there are deli sandwiches, soup and fresh salads.

A local favorite is the Albuquerque Turkey with hickory-smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, tomato, avocado, organic greens and mayonnaise.

Grilled sandwiches include The Cisco Kid with roast beef, cheddar, onion, horseradish and mustard; or The "Full" Monte Cristo with maple ham, Swiss and provolone cheeses, jam and powder sugar.

House-made soups are on a rotating schedule: chicken gumbo on Monday, potato bacon on Tuesday, broccoli-cheese on Wednesday, Baja chicken on Thursday, and lobster bisque on Friday.

The ½ & ½ combo offers the best of both worlds with a cup of soup and half sandwich for $7.75.

The Sterling Frisco location also offers a homestyle classic -- build-your-own Mac-N-Cheese. A 10-ounce serving of "Grandma's recipe" baked with three real cheeses calls for additions such as sliced jalapenos, grilled onion and garlic, bacon, smoked turkey, grilled ham or chopped beef.

Located at LaFayette Street and West Avenue, free city parking is available until 2 p.m. daily.

A side patio offers limited outdoor seating. The Sterling Frisco location is open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

More information is available by calling (479) 301-2155. There is also a Jammin Java app that provides location information, the full menu and a loyalty program.

NAN Dining Guide Cover on 08/29/2014