{image1} Some people can't live without coffee but have lived for years without a coffee hotspot on their side of town. Such was the case in the 27th Street and West College Avenue neighborhood until the Wobosels stepped in with a dream, a plan and a cup or two of joe.
For 25 years, Paul and Deborah Wobosel have lived in that area, minus a coffee stop nearby. Deborah says, "It was a dream of mine to have my own business." So, the research and planning began, and 18 months and a few shots of espresso later, the dream became reality.
The Wobosels hired Chad Ehricke to consult them through the whole process. Ehricke owns a drive-thru coffee shop in Appleton and is co-founder of Paul Michael's Roastery in Neenah. The Wobosels designed the building layout and established a menu revolving around their travlin' theme. And in December of 2004, they opened their double drive-thru Travlin' Jo coffee shop.
{image2}Travlin' Jo serves a Paul Michael's Roastery house blend -- and other Roastery products -- in hopes to get Milwaukeeans to acquire a taste for something besides Starbucks and Alterra coffee. A few signature drinks include the Freeway Flyer, the Morning Rush and the Old Highway 41 (espresso, cinnamon and vanilla), which is named after 27th Street and is one of their best sellers. Smoothies, chai teas and frappes are also available. Prices range from $1 to $4.50.
Just because it's a drive-thru doesn't mean customers speed through for a morning jolt. Regulars often stop in and chat with the servers. And orders are not placed through a speaker but face to face with a smiling employee.
{image3}"It's a personalized service," Deborah says. "I see a lot of people in the morning before they've had their first cup of coffee, and they still talk to me."
In upcoming weeks, Travlin' Jo will serve Blue Dawg Bagels, too. Look for a walk-up window, outdoor seating and wireless Internet available this summer for the convenience of travlin' customers.
Travlin' Jo, 6205 S. 27th St., is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours will be extended. Contact Travlin' Jo at (414) 281-5290.
