Ivy Café, a new neighborhood coffee shop from local barista Hailee Wallner, is slated to arrive this summer in a small Ryan Street strip mall in Pewaukee. The shop is planning a mix of specialty coffee alongside non-coffee options such as fresh fruit smoothies and plant-based energy drinks, with pastries and açaí bowls rounding out the menu. Wallner hopes Ivy will become a convenient pick-up spot for nearby shoppers and commuters, with a target opening set for no later than Sept. 1.
Wallner, a 2024 graduate of Waukesha County Technical College with an associate degree in business management, told The Freeman that she started volunteering at a church coffee shop about eight years ago and took her first barista job roughly four years ago. According to The Freeman, she is now stepping out from behind the counter to run her own small storefront and expects to have the space ready by early September.
Menu and approach
Wallner told The Freeman, “I have loved doing it every day,” describing her time working as a barista, and said her goal is to “have a lot of variety in my menu.” Ivy Café plans to serve specialty coffee drinks including lattes, cold brew and drip coffee, alongside fresh fruit smoothies, plant-based energy drinks, pastries and açaí bowls. The Freeman also notes that the shop intends to use house-made coffee syrups as part of its beverage program.
Where it will be
According to Village of Pewaukee property records, Ivy Café is slated for a Ryan Street strip mall anchored by the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store at 601 Ryan St. Local business listings for the thrift store also show that 601 Ryan St is the strip’s primary address, a setup that could bring steady foot traffic from shoppers in the area.
Local outlook
Pewaukee has seen steady commercial activity in recent months, with transactions and leasing activity suggesting room for new neighborhood tenants. Coverage of recent local property deals underscores an active market that can absorb independent food and retail concepts like Ivy Café, according to coverage of recent local property deals.
Wallner says she will announce a formal grand-opening date and hours once the interior work is finished and permits are in place. Until then, neighbors can keep an eye on signage at the Ryan Street strip and local listings for word on Ivy Café’s soft-opening plans.
