The city of Fort Atkinson has announced that it has awarded a capital catalyst revolving load to the Sweet Spot Coffee Shop, LLC.

The company plans to use the funds to purchase a property located at 225 and 227 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, according to the release.

The $82,000 load was awarded Thursday through the capital catalyst program by the city’s Economic Development Commission, the release noted.

As noted in the release, The Sweet Spot owners Jacob Gildemeister and Elena Schleusner purchased The Sweet Spot Café, 226 Whitewater St., and Bakehouse, 1185 W. Main St., both in Whitewater, in August of 2020. The operation includes a food truck.

As described in the release, the Bakehouse is a coffee shop, featuring a variety of pastries, a small breakfast menu and drive-through. The Bakehouse also offers custom bakery goods, including wedding and birthday cakes, croissants, and muffins, among other items. The Sweet Spot is a coffee shop featuring pastries, a breakfast and lunch menu and large seating area.

Gildemester and Schleusner also own Whitewater Cinemas.

The recently awarded loan will be applied to the couple’s plans to expand in Fort Atkinson.

As stated in the release, the owners plan to replicate the success of their Whitewater locations in Fort Atkinson and add a driver to their staff to transport fresh bakery items between the Bakehouse in Whitewater and Fort Atkinson.

The new location in Fort Atkinson may also feature a casual cocktail lounge. The business hopes to add 19 new jobs with the company over the next three years, the release stated.

While the official name of the business has not been announced, the owners plan to pay homage to original construction of the Fort Atkinson building, which served as the Langhoff Hotel in 1875.

About the Capital Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund

According to the release, the goal of the Capital Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund program is to encourage the startup of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses in Fort Atkinson. Focus is placed on assisting companies in industry sectors including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, agriculture or food processing, information systems or software, medical devices, biosciences and energy. Those interested in learning more about the fund are encouraged to review the application and loan guidelines on the city’s website at www.fortatkinsonwi.gov. Those interested in applying for the Capital Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund are asked to contact Deb Reinbold, executive director of the Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium, by email:  DReinbold@jeffersoncountywi.gov or phone: 920-674-8710.