David & Tricia Niven

Original Arabica Coffee Blends

David and Tricia Niven relocated to Mitchell County from Charlotte, North Carolina nearly five years ago.  David, who has been self-employed for almost twenty years, and Tricia, who left the apartment industry as a lease-up property specialist, first made their mark on Little Switzerland by opening DTs Blue Ridge Java, a coffee and ice cream shop, in 2001. 

In 2004, DTs expanded to include a coffee shop and café located on Lower Street in downtown Spruce Pine, serving sandwiches, specialty and homemade coffees, which has quickly become a hub for dining and community activity.  DTs Blue Ridge Java has been named Small Business of the Year by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce for the past two years, and David is acting President of the Small Business Association in Spruce Pine.

Original blends available from DTs Blue Ridge Java include Ruthie’s Blend, a combination of orange and chocolate flavored Arabica coffee beans, as well as the Pine Grove Blend, which contains six varietal Arabica beans for distinct robust flavor.

David has a son, Colby, who is fourteen, and a thirteen year old daughter named Taylor.