The SweetSpot welcomed familiar faces home Aug. 31 as UW-Whitewater Alumni Elena Schleusner and fiance Jacobs Gildemeister took over both the SweetSpot Bakehouse and Cafe here in Whitewater. Having previously owned the local theater, they decided to continue their entrepreneurship and expand into downtown Whitewater – a place they have loved to call home. They are eager to continue their ventures and continue the legacy of an amazing community space for both college students and residents. 

Schleusner talked with the Royal Purple over a phone interview Sept. 11 to discuss their newest ventures in one of the most welcoming spots in town. 

Q: Would you be able to tell me a little bit about yourself? 

A: I’m a UW-Whitewater graduate of the Class of 2018. I have a background from working as a barista back in my college days and one of my dreams was to be able to own a coffeehouse. In fact, I wrote a letter to myself saying that one day, I was going to own a coffee shop. It’s a dream come true. 

Q: What made you want to come back to Whitewater after graduation?

A: Community. I immediately fell in love with Whitewater and all it had to offer. I really liked the town in itself, and when we made our first venture buying the theater, everyone was really supportive in the area. I found it really welcoming that people were accepting of me becoming part of the downtown community especially. 

Q: What plans or changes do you have in mind for the SweetSpot?

A: We’re still learning the practices and fully integrating ourselves into the SweetSpot culture, but we’re excited to continue to expand the already popular franchise among citizens and university students, faculty, and staff. Our plans for the business include being able to make it more accessible, as well as being able to give it a more upscale aesthetic. I wants it to be as welcoming to the community as it can be. When the pandemic is over and students are once again be pouring into the cafe for study sessions, we plan on it being their number one spot still to be able to sip coffee and go over lecture notes. We also want to be able to expand more for event type planning. 

Q: What’s your own personal favorite drink from SweetSpot?

A: I absolutely love fall, so the first drink to pop into my head is anything pumpkin spice flavored – especially the lattes. I highly recommend those to everyone across town. As for baked goods – the apple pie cupcakes are to die for.

Schleusner also wanted to let the community know that she is always open to feedback in the early phases of running both SweetSpot Cafe and Bakehouse. Her goal is for the franchise to continue to be a place of familiarity and connection between both older and younger generations, so that they can put aside their differences and enjoy good food and good company together. 

More information about the SweetSpot Cafe and Bakehouse, along with their COVID-19 policies can be found on their website http://sweetspotwhitewater.com/.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Dane Sheehan

Elena Schleusner and Jacob Gildemeister, new Owners of both the Sweetspot Bakehouse and Sweetspot Cafe stand outside their business for a photo on Friday Sept. 18 in Whitewater Wisconsin.