Private Club Specialists: Enhancing Success in the Private Club Industry
After nearly three decades in business, six moves, and countless batches of donuts, Jitters Donuts & Coffee found its perfect home. The locally loved shop, a staple of Sioux City mornings since the 90s, was searching for a new space that offered more room, better flow and a design that reflected the Jitters community.
This wasn’t just about square footage. It was about creating a space that invited people in and made them want to stay. A place where connection could happen naturally and the environment reflected the warmth and personality of the owner herself. Stone Group Architects was proud to partner with Jitters to bring that vision to life.
Understanding the Vision
From the beginning, Sarah had a clear vision for the atmosphere she wanted to create, even if the details were still taking shape.
“The first time we had a sneak peek of the space, there were no walls, it was just a shell,” Sarah shared. “It was difficult to visualize. We looked at 6 or 7 other designs before selecting [SGA] and none of them fit our needs. Working with you was just phenomenal. The renderings really helped to visualize what the space would look like. The color scheme was exactly what I had envisioned.”
The project began with an empty shell that previously served as the kitchen and lobby of the Ramada Inn. Now part of the Floyd River Flats development, the 2,800 square foot space required a full transformation to support the needs of the business and bring the owner’s vision to life.
Solving Challenges with Smart, Functional Design
While many design features stand out, like the ceiling clouds or the inviting couch areas, the behind-the-scenes work mattered just as much. Our team focused heavily on solving real operational pain points. One of the most pressing was the kitchen.
“The previous kitchen was way too small for what Jitters was doing,” said Brandon, Architectural Associate at Stone Group Architects. “We were able to give them the room they needed and a layout that flows.”
Functionality was key. The redesigned kitchen layout improved movement and workflow, and thoughtful details like drop-down electrical connections for key equipment helped minimize clutter and improve efficiency. “The professional touch and thoughtfulness behind every decision like the drop-down electrical work in the kitchen, something I never would have thought of, has made a big difference,” Sarah noted.
Another unique challenge involved reusing the exhaust hood from the old location to save costs. This required careful coordination to meet fire safety requirements. Combined with tight timelines and long equipment lead times, our team had to stay sharp and flexible throughout.
Creating a Space That Feels Like Home
The design of Jitters today isn’t just practical, it’s personal.
“This is truly the first space I have felt comfortable. I feel at home here,” Sarah said. “There were days I didn’t feel welcome in my own store before and now I feel welcome. You really project your mood onto everyone and that will reflect from the food to the service.”
That authenticity is present in every detail. The tablecloths were hand-sewn by Sarah’s sister using a variety of fabric patterns, bringing a sense of warmth and individuality to each table. Vintage signage, collected by her uncle over the years, adds a nostalgic charm that can’t be replicated.
Above the cozy seating area, a ceiling installation of paper cranes tells its own quiet story. Folded and gifted to Sarah by a former employee she had known since the age of 5, the cranes are a symbol of good luck in Korean culture and a meaningful reminder of shared history.
With natural light, open flow, and a variety of seating options from cozy couch areas to a welcoming outdoor patio, the space invites people to settle in and stay a while. “People are just happy here, ” Sarah stated.
And that feeling hasn’t gone unnoticed.
A Place for Community
What sets Jitters apart is more than great coffee and donuts. It’s the sense of connection that fills the room.
“You walk in and you can just feel the vibe,” Sarah said. “Everyone is having a conversation, people aren’t sitting with their phone in their face. That’s why we’re here. We’ll never be a Starbucks. But we are truly a space to connect.”
The ceiling clouds were a subtle but powerful design choice that enhances that feeling. Designed to control acoustics in the high-ceilinged space, they allow conversations to flow without echo, whether you’re talking one-on-one or across the room.
As Sarah put it, “You can have a small conversation between two people or talk to someone across the room and it won’t distract anyone else the way the sound carries.”
Key Architecture & Design Features That Brought It All Together
- Ceiling clouds for sound control and spatial guidance
- Open, natural light-filled layout from front to back
- Larger, more efficient kitchen with improved workflow
- Viewing window into the kitchen for a behind-the-scenes look
- Flexible seating areas including couches and outdoor patio space
- New point of sale counter and back counter for better service
- Updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Strategic reuse of equipment to reduce costs
From Plan to Reality
“This really feels like we made it,” Sarah said. “We’re not going anywhere. We wouldn’t be here without the people who believe and support us.”
When asked if the result aligned with what she originally envisioned, she didn’t hesitate. “It’s more than I envisioned. The professional touch and thoughtfulness behind every decision made such a difference.”
Sarah’s advice to other small business owners considering a renovation or relocation?
“It makes such a difference to be able to pass off decisions to the professionals. I was stubborn throughout the process because you have to spend more money, but it’s worth it to have a well thought out, well-designed finished space without the stress of doing it all yourself.”
Ready to Create a Space That Reflects Your Vision?
At Stone Group Architects, we understand that spaces do more than serve a function, they tell your story. Whether you’re a small business looking to grow or a long-standing part of your community in need of a fresh start, we’re here to help guide the process with care, creativity and expertise.
Let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life. Inquire today to get started on a space that feels like home.
