Three Georgetown University (GU) alumni purchased the Saxbys Coffee franchise on 35th Street earlier this fall, and now a former barista is calling the shots.

Jim Hilson graduated from Georgetown University in 2008 and, with his two partners, 2007 GU graduates Eric Rodawig and Ken Martin, he purchased the Saxbys Coffee frequented by students, professors and neighbors in Georgetown's West village.

Hilson said he still speaks with former owners Jack and Elizabeth Egle on at least a weekly basis to ask about the operation and other details of his new business.

Prior to purchasing the place he once worked as a barista, Hilson had been working for a defense contractor.

But for him, nothing quite beat working in a coffee house atmosphere, said Hilson.

While there have not been any big changes so far, Hilson said he and his partners plan to bring sandwich-making in-house with a renovated counter area to make sandwiches to order.

So far the reception in Georgetown has been "gracious" said Hilson. He said he enjoys seeing familiar faces from when he worked behind the counter previously.

The new owners are already trying to give back to the community: at the Volta Park Annual Breakfast with Santa event, Saxbys provided the 15 gallons of hot chocolate and threw in five gallons of coffee for the parents as a donation.

Being in charge of Saxbys, a "gathering spot" for the community, quite simply "makes me happy," Hilson said.