Battle of the cinnamon rolls: Jersey City coffee shop caught in zoning dispute

A popular Jersey City coffee shop is facing down a zoning complaint that could force them to temporarily shut their doors.

“I think our reaction when we heard of this most recent zoning complaint was just real frustration because we’ve done everything right,” said co-owner of the Hive, Kristin Karotkin.

Kristin and Catherine Willhoit run the Hive together.

They told News 12 they are permitted to sell coffee and baked goods under their current zoning designation, retail.

However, a nearby neighbor has filed a complaint seeking to have the business reclassified as a commercial restaurant, a move that could require The Hive to halt operations while the zoning issue is sorted out.

“The fact that one person is kind of challenging the way that zoning is interpreted really just feels like a kick in the gut for a business that’s not only beloved here in the neighborhood but has done everything we are supposed to,” Karotkin said.

City officials previously denied the neighbor’s initial complaint, but the issue is now back before the city following an appeal.

According to the appeal, the central issue comes down to one item: cinnamon rolls.

The complaint alleges The Hive is operating a commercial kitchen to bake them on-site.

The owners dispute that claim, though, and showed News 12 the shop’s oven, the only one on the premises.

“There’s nothing being made from scratch in the back room here,” Karotkin said. “It’s all made off-site and then baked here in our shops.”

Beyond their own business, the owners worry the outcome of the case could have broader implications for small businesses across Jersey City as well.

“A lot of small businesses, if this keeps happening in Jersey City, they’re going to stop trying — they’re going to stop coming here,” Karotkin said.

A zoning board meeting is scheduled for April 9, where officials are expected to make a determination on The Hive’s future.