By VALERIE METREJEAN

Staff Writer

If asked what the most original and hippest coffee shop in Ruston is, Neil Keen would most definitely say The Frothy Monkey.

Sure, as the owner of The Frothy Monkey, he may be a little biased, but he has every right to believe it. Countless customers have reinforced this thinking by coming back to feed their "Frothy" addiction.

"I go there at least three times a week because I love the comfortable atmosphere," Lindsay Smith, a sophomore elementary education major, said.

Smith said the employees are always friendly and the music is diverse.

"People say they come in and feel like they are in Seattle or Dallas," Keen said. "They call it an 'oasis' in Ruston."

Keen said after the local Starbucks closed several years ago, students no longer had a coffee shop "hangout." Keen and a former teacher decided to open a coffee shop and within two weeks they were open for business.

Keen said he and his partner brainstormed over a hundred names before surveying students from his class.

"Some of the names really were nonsense," Keen said. The Frothy Monkey was the most popular name so it became the coffee shop's identity along with the unmistakable maroon and gold emblem that is seen on shirts, coffee mugs and stickers.

Jodi Nasse, an employee at The Frothy Monkey and a senior biology major, said the coffee shop is directed toward college students.

"It is a place that was started by a student for students," Nasse said.

Nasse said she thinks part of the atmosphere is created with the artwork showcased on the walls.

From black and white photos and paintings of laundromats to simple structured works of art, The Frothy Monkey's coffee drinkers will never get bored.

Keen said the recent move to the former building of Bonnabells has allowed the coffee shop to double in size. The new location, which is within walking distance of many companies, has boosted its business.

"Our sales have gone up 30 percent since the move," Keen said.

This is the third location and Keen plans for it to be the last. When the second story renovations are complete, The Frothy Monkey may even see a bigger increase in sales.

"This second story will enable bands to play and c

ess tournaments to be held there," Keen said.

"Frothy Monkey is like our Central Perk," Alison Richey, a freshman graphic design major, said in reference to the "Friends" coffee shop and common hangout.

"My favorite drinks are the frozen caramel mocha and the Italian sodas, but they have so many options, I really am enjoying trying everything," Richey said.

The Frothy Monkey is known for having great coffee but also serves hot teas, smoothies, chai and iced drinks.

Students can find a decent cup of coffee lots of places, but Keen said he believes that, if looking for an eclectic atmosphere like The Frothy Monkey's, "You are not going to find one like this anywhere else in Ruston."