Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee is home to many eateries, but one cafe stands out for its morning focus. Sweet Connie’s Cafe, which opened in April, specializes in coffee and breakfast. However, the cafe is facing significant challenges due to rising coffee prices.
• Coffee prices have surged nearly 19% from September 2024 to September 2025, with the average price per pound reaching $9.41.
• Factors contributing to this increase include tariffs and shortages caused by adverse weather in coffee-growing regions.
• Co-owner Shelley Wiley has avoided raising prices for customers, which is impacting profits.
• The cafe's diverse menu, including breakfast and smoothies, helps mitigate some of the financial strain.
This situation highlights the broader impact of global market trends on small businesses. As coffee prices rise, cafes must balance maintaining customer loyalty with the need to keep their businesses profitable. The hope is that prices will stabilize, allowing for future growth and new offerings.
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