Experience Downtown Blog

600 EAST Cafe: "I hope in the years to come..."

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"I hope in the years to come, everyone will take pride in how they responded to this challenge."

Referencing Queen Elizabeth's recent address, downtown business owner Dan Nelson has faced the COVID-19 pandemic with that mantra in mind.

On the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Jackson Street, Nelson's 600 EAST Café remains a downtown cornerstone amidst a temporarily altered landscape.

"It has been wonderful to continue serving the downtown customers who are in essential industries and positions," says Jill Ruffing, general manager. "It's been great to see the smiling faces at our walk-up window."

Displaying their adaptability in uncharted territory, 600 EAST is one of many downtown businesses who has shifted their operations to continue offering their signature products.

Catering and group delivery orders "have been essential to keeping the restaurant open" notes Nelson, along with activating their walk-up window to provide "favorite local coffees, breakfasts, lunches and snacks and CBD products to go."

As 600 EAST weathers the pandemic, they also look ahead to the recovery phase. Phased re-openings downtown will mean gradual increases in traffic. Nelson and Ruffing hope to effectively time "the hiring of additional staff with the increases in downtown workers and visitors."

Until then, 600 EAST continues to serve the central business district. Nelson recommends calling 844.600.EAST to place orders, noting that menu items are safely packaged and can be labeled for individual recipients. Plus, delivery anywhere downtown is available for group and catering orders.

Nelson's closing words? Hashtags that embody the resilience of downtown businesses: "#StillOpen #TooSmallToFail #SupportLocal #WalkUpWindowsRock"

Follow 600 EAST Café on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

Written by Erica Chang, Marketing, Events & Social Media Director at Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.