“Snacktastic Adventures: Personalize Your Treats at Jr’s Interactive Snack Haven!”

Jr’s Treats is the title of a new delightful establishment that is set to open at 624 N. Water St., occupying the retail area that previously belonged to The Coffee Bean.

This cheerful snack bar will provide a variety of choices for everyone, including personalized cups of coffee, waffle sticks, and pancakes in the morning, as well as customized fries, Mexican street corn, and gigantic personalized ice cream sundaes for the rest of the day.

At the helm of this venture is Nerilyn Cruz-Colon, who initiated Jr’s Treats as a mobile snack bar in 2023, presenting buffets of fresh-cut fruit, elote, ice cream, and mini pancakes with an assortment of toppings for events like birthday celebrations, weddings, baby showers, office gatherings, quinceañeras, and more. 

“I established the catering service shortly after my son’s birth to earn a little extra income,” she shares. “We named it after him because – ultimately – everything I do is for him.” 

When the chance to lease the prior coffee shop Downtown arose, Cruz-Colon stated that the opportunity was too significant to overlook.

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With support from her fiancé Marco Lezameta, Cruz-Colon has turned the 2200 square foot area into a lively, colorful interactive environment.

A sprinkle-themed wall at the back is complemented by lounge seating, while a chalkboard wall offers space for patrons to express messages and artwork with chalkboard markers. Another wall displays a large rendition of the Jr’s Treats logo painted by local artist Leonard Lopez.

In addition, a “Cloud Wall” adorned with LED lights serves as a centerpiece, providing guests with an ideal setting for Instagram-worthy photos. Cruz-Colon mentions that a Polaroid camera will be available behind the counter for guests to capture images to display alongside the cloud wall as well. 

This casual dining establishment will feature quick assembly line service at the counter, allowing patrons to select from the menu and customize their choices with various toppings. 

In the morning hours, Cruz-Colon will offer options such as avocado toast, fruit cups, bagels, and coffee (which may be personalized with different flavorings in alignment with the theme). Additional selections including mini pancakes, waffle sticks, and smoothies will also be available.

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As the day progresses, the offerings will expand to feature an assortment of customizable snacks ranging from French fries and cheese curds to soft pretzels. 

Signature creations will include personalized cups of Mexican street corn, which can be adorned with classic toppings such as cotija cheese, mayo, butter, and chili powder, as well as exciting additions like nacho cheese and crushed Hot Cheetos.

Jr’s Treats will also feature ice cream sundaes with eight flavors of ice cream (including a non-dairy vanilla option) alongside a vast selection of toppings, including fruits, sauces, and extras like Nutella, peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, chocolate chips, peanuts, Oreos, marshmallows, and sprinkles. 

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Thanks to the introduction of waffle cone chips, guests can also delight in “ice cream nachos,” Cruz-Colon remarks.

Regarding beverages, she mentions the shop will offer a variety of options, including hot cocoa, an assortment of canned drinks, root beer floats, and customizable shakes.

Cruz-Colon also indicates plans to reintroduce her mobile snack bar for catering events within the coming months.

“I just need to ensure everything operates efficiently on Water Street,” she states, “And then we’ll be ready to manage parties once more.”

After the launch on Saturday, Jan. 11, Jr’s Treats will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight; and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Closed on Mondays).

To stay updated on the latest at Jr’s Treats, follow them on @Jrstreatssnackbar on Instagram and Facebook.