Late-Night Coffeehouse Planned for Harbor View Neighborhood
VNLA cafe plans to serve specialty lattes, pastries and mini pancakes in former My Yo My.
Site of future VNLA CAFE, 130 S. Water St. Photo taken on Oct. 10, 2020, by Mariiana Tzotcheva
The former My Yo My, which quietly closed in January, could soon see new life as a cafe and dessert shop.
Operators Mohammad and Wisam Assad plan to open VNLA CAFE in the space at 100 S. Water St., citing the building’s central location and spacious outdoor patio as keys to providing a “daily escape” for customers.
“Our goal is to create a comfortable space where customers can enjoy high-quality drinks and fresh food in a welcoming atmosphere,” Wisam told Urban Milwaukee in an email.
VNLA CAFE‘s menu would center on coffee and espresso drinks, including a selection of specialty lattes. The business also plans to serve refreshers and a limited breakfast menu, along with mini pancakes, made-to-order crepes and a wide array of pastries.
Dairy-free milk alternatives and other allergy-friendly options will be available to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences, Wisam said.
With a background in business ownership and management, the Assads said they bring a “strong understanding” of quality, operations and customer experience to the venture. Since taking over the building earlier this year, they’ve moved quickly to secure occupancy and begin work on the 1,140-square-foot commercial space, which adjoins The Waterfront condominium complex.
The finished cafe will offer counter service and limited indoor seating, along with an outdoor patio with space for up to 40 guests and a fire pit. Wisam said he hopes the design creates an atmosphere “that inspires connection, creativity and comfort.”
“We’re truly excited to grow alongside the community and become a place people look forward to returning to,” he added.
VNLA CAFE has not yet announced an opening date, but plans to share its progress on its social media page and website. Wisam said the business will offer “massive discounts” during its soft and grand opening events, along with giveaways and freebies exceeding $1,000 in value.
Once open, VNLA CAFE’s proposed hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The late-night coffeehouse concept has gained traction amid a wave of new cafes in the area, including Al Wadi Coffee House, Haraz Coffee House and Azal Coffee, which stay open until 11 p.m. or midnight without serving alcohol. The result is a family-friendly “third place” where customers can eat, drink and socialize into the evening outside the typical tavern environment.
But some neighbors oppose VNLA CAFE joining that trend. Emails submitted to the City of Milwaukee show that The Waterfront’s HOA board objects to the business’s proposed late-night hours.
A license application for VNLA CAFE remains pending city approval. The Licenses Committee was scheduled to consider the proposal Tuesday, but members moved to hold the application after Wisam did not appear for his scheduled hearing. Several condominium residents who planned to testify left without speaking after the matter was postponed.
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