The new kid in town has joined the popular crowd.

Just over a year ago, the unknown and appropriately oddly named coffee shop Dioko Coffee Company appeared downtown. Since owner Dr. Larry Page opened the shop on Valentine’s Day 2003, Dioko has become one of the popular hang-out spots for persons of all ages in Joplin.

In an effort to make the shop as personable as possible, Larry hired his children and some of their friends as employees. His daughter, Lauren Page, freshman undecided major, enjoys the work environment created by people her own age.

“It’s fun and everybody is very friendly,” Lauren said. “We’re like a family.”

One of the major drawing points of the coffee shop is the local quality that is sometimes lost in a larger chain store.

“It’s unique to Joplin,” Lauren said.

In an effort to support local culture Dioko uses works by area artists to decorate the interior. The result is positive for everyone involved. The shop serves as an impromptu gallery for upcoming local artists interested in selling their work. The coffee shop looks cutting edge and receives an economical way to constantly update its look. The public is offered some culture and diversity.

More than a coffee shop, Dioko has become a social arena vital to its surrounding community. A large open meeting room in the back is frequently used by area groups to hold functions.

Some of the local groups that have used the coffee shop for their meetings include Singles of Joplin, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and Edison Resources. Recently there was a wedding conducted in the room. There’s no initial fee for the room and the $5 minimum per person can go toward food and drinks.

Even Dioko’s most popular drink reflects the sense of loyalty among the small local businesses in the downtown area. “The White Rhino,” a delicious concoction of chocolate and coffee, is named after the local hair salon of the same name only a few blocks away.

“We named it after them as kind of a recognition in our fight for downtown to grow,” Lauren said.

The coffee shop seems to offer something for everyone. Thursdays are “Jazz Nights,” Friday nights showcase local bands of every genre and Saturdays draw crowds with open mic night and a steady stream of undiscovered local talent and bigger bands just passing through.

Besides hot and cold teas, coffee drinks, shakes and Italian sodas, Dioko also offers breakfast foods and a wide selection of fresh soups, salads and sandwiches. Late-night snacks include brownies, oversized gourmet cookies and bowls of fresh fruit. Dioko is open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6-1 a.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday.