Justitia's

Joe & Onie’s opened its doors for business on February 22, 2021, at 18 East Main Street on the tail end of the 2020 pandemic which ravaged the world. Like a phoenix rising construction on the new coffee shop stood as a symbol of hope, of life and better things to come in Downtown Belleville. Joe & Onie’s founder, Steve Hemmer, came up with the name of the coffee shop in honor of his mother and father, Joe and Onie, who raised 10 children together near the south side in Belleville, Illinois. In 2024 Steve and his wife, Margie Hemmer, sold the business to local Criminal Justice Attorney Cheryl Whitley, and she renamed the coffee shop “Justitia’s.”

The inspiration for the name “Justitia’s” was born from Cheryl’s grandmother’s name, Justine, Cheryl’s love of the law, and her trip to Rome. Rome was a place where life seemed to be centered around beautiful coffee houses (cafe’) that were decorated with colorful fresh flowers and Ancient Roman Art. Italian coffee houses have a tradition of really being social spaces where people would go to enjoy their morning coffee/ expressos, meet to catch up with friends and connect with family. “Justitia” is Latin for JUSTICE.

Justine had rheumatoid arthritis, but it did not have her! With the proper mindset you can do ANYTHING! Despite Justine’s limited use of her fingers, that handicap did not keep her from being a Supervisor Clerk Typist for the United States Government, sewing divinely anything that came to mind, and producing the bulletins for her church. Justine’s life was a true testament that we can all do hard things. Cheryl watching her grandmother navigate life’s challenges without complaint made her know that it was possible to do anything with COURAGE and FAITH. Cheryl has grown a successful law practice while raising her twin daughters, Harrison and Hayden.

We hope that you too are inspired to do hard things and that you come along on this life journey with us.

Justitia’s menu remains the same. In addition to coffee, we serve breakfast and lunch: soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps. We are famous for our biscuits and gravy! Yes “biscuits and gravy!!!” Oh, and let us not forget the chili… We are a Belleville Chili Cook-Off Award Winner!

Thank you for dining with us, and welcome to the family!