Saving The Jitterbug
The owner of the coffee shop Jitterbug Coffee Hop was left paralyzed on his right side after a recent stroke. That’s when concerned customers stepped in to help him.
Bruce Holt started Jitterbug Coffee about 14 years ago. He was working in the shop one day when he felt a tingling on his right side. “I thought that was weird and then picked up a knife to cut a bagel and couldn’t center the knife over the bagel,” he said. “I set the knife down and turned to walk away and my right leg was all over the place. I tried to stabilize myself on the table back there and my hand was all curled up.
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“My health inspector came back to see what was taking so long and I guess I was drooling out of the side of my mouth. She called 911 immediately and got me off to the hospital and closed the shop for me and then she coordinated with my customers to keep the shop going because she knew that my numbers were so low that I had to be open. “
Those customers continued to help run the shop while Holt gained strength and the full use of his right side paralyzed by the stroke. “It was amazing the support that I felt and the concern people had for me, made me realize there’s a lot of good people out there.”
The stroke also took away Holt’s ability to play the guitar, which is slowly returning.
Jitterbug offers a modern retro atmosphere featuring tasty espresso based beverages, smoothies, root beer floats, hot chocolate, Italian sodas, an assortment of teas, sandwiches, soups, pastries, and fresh coffee.
The coffee shop is at 1855 S. 700 East and can be reached on 801.487.8100.
Bruce is a very nice person. He deserved all the help he got from his customers. We who know him have been happy to see him heal and to pick up the guitar again.
I use to live in that neighborhood and live Bruce’s shop. I went in almost every day. Moved to West Jordan and alas can’t find a coffee shop that makes coffee like the Jitterbug. Go into see him whenever we are in the neighborhood and go to Sugarhouse just to get a coffee. Love that place and get us “a little Bruce Lovin” whenever we can!❤️
Bruce is a wonderful guy with a very generous spirit, and his shop attracts a wide variety of people who are always interesting to talk to. Jitterbug is still ‘my’ coffee shop even though we moved to Sandy… The coffee and the company make it worth the drive.
Bruce is a rare gem. Few people have his kind of stamina, humility, talent and true compassion. He knows all his customers personally, and greets them on a first name basis. He’s one of those rare individuals that make living in this world worthwhile. He’s warm and engaging, and yet totally down to earth. He’ll play you a song on his guitar if you ask. Be prepared, however. He’s no amateur. He’ll blow you away!
He’ll go to any lengths to please your pallet. Whatever you ask for, if he has it, or can make it, he will gladly do it so you can have it “your way”. Bruce is just one amazing guy. I’ve been going there since he first opened the doors. He loves to be of service, as you will find out, when he treats you with such respect and courtesy; never giving the impression that it’s a chore. That’s because he is truly passionate about what he does, and isn’t passion what it’s all about? Thank you Bruce. You are loved by many..