MEQUON — In Mequon, Cafe 1505 has been serving up fresh dishes for decades.
"We pride ourselves on being as local as possible. We work with so many farmers, growers, bakeries, our coffee is locally roasted out of Milwaukee from Valentine," says Alyssa Lugo, owner of Cafe 1505. But it wasn't till 2018 that it's third owner, Alyssa Lugo, took over.
"I was asked if I'd like to buy it and I think it took all of three minutes to make the decision," says Alyssa.
Working at Cafe 1505 previously, Alyssa's first year as the owner went well. The second-year brought on the challenge of COVID-19.
"We were able to keep our deli open, which was wonderful. We were able to offer curbside, also delivery in the area, and pickup because people were able to come in. So we just kind of reinvented ourselves a little bit," says Alyssa.
Focusing on a menu that could be packaged and picked up throughout the day, Alyssa couldn't thank her customers enough for getting them through tough times.tight-knit strong, tightknit community, and we all take care each other. We do. We have felt nothing but love, generosity, support from our community and our customers and I am so grateful," says Alyssa.
With dining-in now an option, the cafe has gone back to serving a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Fluffy pancakes, delicious bowls, salads, and even an afternoon cocktail are available. More importantly, the cafe is a place for customers to feel a little normalcy.
"So we always say it's more than food. I think they come for the food, but I think they come for more than that. They come to feel welcomed, to feel warm like they belong. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee quickly on your way to work and getting that friendly smile from a staff member. Seeing your neighbor and waving high. We wouldn't be open without these people," says Alyssa.
Cafe 1505 is open weekly from 7 AM to 3 PM and is located at 1505 W Mequon Rd.