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Milwaukee's Daily Magazine for Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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In Dining

Sven's Cafe brings old world feel to Bay View


Steve Goretzko's organic coffee has perched on grocery store shelves for years, and soon it will pour from pots at his new Bay View coffee shop called Sven's Café.

Located at the corner of Kinnickinnic and Logan (2699 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) in an intriguing building that was once a Standard gas station, the café is cozy, complete with a fireplace, and also features a large outdoor seating section, facing a beautiful church across the street and under the gaze of a large java-drinking Mona Lisa mural painted by Milwaukee artist Adam Nilson.

After months of massive renovations -- plumbing, electric and aesthetic -- Goretzko says his café will open any day, depending on when he receives the necessary permits.

So why did he name his bagged coffee, and now his café, "Sven's" when his name is "Steve?" Goretzko named the café in honor of a popular German DJ, Sven Veth, but he also just liked the Euro sound of the name.

"I spend a lot of time in Germany," says Goretzko, 39, who was born to German parents in Berlin and moved to Milwaukee, specifically Cudahy, when he was four.

Goretzko has been in the coffee business for 13 years and the food industry for even longer. Prior to starting Sven's Organic Coffee Company he worked for Carnation Foods and Durkee Famous Foods.

"I've been in business longer than Alterra (Coffee)," he says. "But we're a little more humble and a little more laid back."

Goretzko says his product reflects the European coffee experience in roast and taste, and that he will offer a variety of different types of coffee, from rich and dark to very light. "Everybody's a different kind of coffee drinker, and most coffee shops only offer one or two blends at a time, but we want to do something more exotic," he says.

Sven's Organic Coffee Company will continue to roast in Greendale and Minneapolis and sell bagged product to grocery stores in Milwaukee, Madison, Steven's Point, Chicago and other cities.

The cafe will serve fresh, homemade soups, European pastries, salads, paninis and cold sandwiches. Eventually, it will also provide live entertainment, but for now, will stick to selling local art and playing CDs.

"An open mic is healthy and nice, but unfortunately it requires a permit. It's kind of ridiculous. We should be pushing culture, not charging for it," says Goretzko. "I want to create a nice-feel spot where people can enjoy a cup of coffee."

Talkbacks

MonsterSquad | July 15, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (report)

Sven's is my favorite place to sit outside and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and an excellent sandwich. From my many experiences, Steve has been nothing less than a great owner; Im always greeted with a smile and a hello. Always a pleasurable experience.

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MonsterSquad | July 15, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (report)

Always great service, awesome sandwhiches, and amazing coffee. Steve has always greeted me with a smile and has nothing but personable.

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billy_bob_joe | June 8, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (report)

Steve is EXTREMLY RUDE to his staff. I was in there just the other day and I overheard him yelling at one of his staff in the kitchen. Five minutes later, the two of them walked out and Steve had his hand on his staffs shoulder, saying that he "didn't expect him to get everything on the first day" and then a few minutes later, Steve was yelling at him again! Everyone who reads this, please, tip well there, the staff deserve it! Other than that, the food is good as well as the atmosphere.

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dixiebelle | Dec. 19, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. (report)

the coffee is one of the best. the staff is very friendly. that said... steve the owner is very rude and unprofessional, terrible service when he IS around. otherwise the folks that work there are GREAT. i don't know how they work with him.

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OMCreader | June 17, 2005 at 10:45 a.m. (report)

Pat said: I love the coffee. Besides Sendicks, where else can I purchase? And you need to supply more of the Mountain Symphony, I am buying 2-3 bags because this one is always out. Thanks

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