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Business & Tech

What You Can Expect To Find At The Paradise Cafe, Coffee & Creamery

Dan Johnson, owner of Danny's Meats, didn't have to go very far to expand his business. He's now the proud owner of the Paradise Cafe, Coffee & Creamery, which was Kayne's Custard.

Dan Johnson, owner of , bought the café next to his current business and wil open it as his own in a few weeks.

What was previously , 1317 Four Mile Rd., will become Paradise Café, Coffee & Creamery. The name was inspired by his daily mantra, Johnson said.

“People always come into the shop and ask how’s everything going and I reply ‘Just another day in paradise,’” Johnson said. “So we’re playing off of that with the new café name.”

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Johnson decided after 25 years in the meat business that it was time for another challenge, and Kayne Perlberg, the former owner of Kaynes Coffee and Custard was ready for a change too.

“I think (former owner) Kayne wanted to get back into construction. With the economy the way it’s been, it’s not easy to sell coffee and ice cream,” Johnson said.

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Paradise Café customers will find their favorite Alterra Coffee and custard, but they will also be able to get a full meal at the café.

“You’ll be able to buy burgers and we’ll have a fish fry,” Johnson said. “We’re going to have different themed food nights as well. We tried German night recently and it was a huge success.”

Johnson says he thinks it’s the right time to expand his business, and didn’t want to see the building next door go empty.

It’s not the first time Johnson has helped to energize his community.

For the past two years, Johnson has collaborated with Ray Stibeck, owner of KZ Heating and Air Conditioning, to hold a free Thanksgiving meal for anyone in Racine County. The event had an attendance over 1,200 people last year.

Johnson and Stibeck also helped to rehab a run down apartment complex at 3501 Douglas Avenue.

“It was a known drug spot, and even had a murder occur there,” Johnson said. “In a rough economy, I just wanted to help in any way I can to improve our community.”

The Racine apartment is now fully rehabilitated and is used by the Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO), to help people find permanent housing.

Terri Ostell, 42, was a loyal customer of Kayne’s Coffee & Custard, but thinks the Paradise Café will do well.

“Danny is a great guy and a savvy businessman,” Ostell said. “It makes sense to sell sandwiches and burgers along with the usual café stuff.”

Johnson says he won’t be doing much advertising for the new store. It’s easier to just keep establishing his name in and around Caledonia.

“Rather than spend $500 on advertising, I’d rather take that money and help somebody with it.” Johnson said.

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