It used to be that if you were west of the river downtown, finding coffee was quite a chore. All that has changed with the addition of a café that encompasses an interesting blend of Far East atmosphere, savory coffees, espressos and assorted breakfast treats.
Jido Café, 224 W. Wells St., has only been open for about two weeks, and sprouted from an interesting partnership. Owners Nancy Puffer and Robin Preston became business partners after spending the last couple years training together in the martial arts.
The interesting connections don't end there. Preston's husband, a former Milwaukee Admirals player, now plays pick-up games with the owner of the Subway next door to Jido. The Subway boss told Preston that there was a real need for coffee in the neigborhood and eventually the cafe became a reality.
"We have people who go to Subway for subs," Preston says, "then come to Jido and get their coffee, grab muffins -- it's quite an interesting business combination."
Jido's menu offers a variety of Alterra coffees, espressos, muffins and an assortment of bagel sandwiches as well as two daily soups.
Prior to that, those who worked west of the river were left with few options in the surrounding area, unless they brought breakfast and coffee with them to work.
Coffee lovers will also be delighted to hear that Jido Café serves a variety of Milwaukee-roasted Alterra coffees, Preston says, noting that Alterra also helped Jido train employees and do location scouting.
For the food, Puffer and Preston sought out a local family bakery; Wild Flour Bakery on 28th and Lincoln. They both wanted to bring food that was prepared locally in a family business.
The other interesting trait that immediately sets Jido apart from any other coffee shop is the distinct Far Eastern decor inside. Puffer and Preston wanted the store to reflect their deep interest in martial arts and the Far East. Many of the decorations on the soothing red walls were brought back from Vietnam by a friend.
Puffer also notes that there is a concentration of Asian themed restaurants in the neighborhood; places such as Benihana, Aladdin and The King and I.
The Jido Café seeks to immediately capture the attention of downtown workers seeking a good cup of coffee, but Puffer and Preston also have some interesting plans for the future.
"We are trying to do something for lunch," Puffer promises, "to give an alternative to other places around here."
In the meantime, Jido is attracting the convention crowds and downtown's early morning workers. Puffer and Preston are also working with the Westown Association, which has helped distribute fliers at local events and spread the word about Jido Café around town.
Jido means "Own Journey" and Jido's owners are hoping you'll take a "journey to find downtown Milwaukee's finest coffee."
Call (414) 324-6834 for more information.
