In Memoriam: Fuel Cafe

When a coffee shop closes, what is lost? How do we process that loss? In this blog, Saúl reflects on a recent experience he had earlier this month. 

…

We often don’t think about coffee shops closing. Or at least I didn’t. That all changed a couple of weeks ago while out on the South Side of Milwaukee.

It was a beautiful Friday morning and the sun was shining. The Milwaukee air felt like Spring. I had just gotten a fresh haircut and was heading to get a Cortado. What better way to start the day. Upon arriving at the coffee shop, the windows were boarded up and a “for lease” sign hung ominously. Fuel Cafe had closed. 

Opened in 2017, the Walker’s Point location of Fuel was mostly known for its motorcycle themed vibes and their varied brunch menu. I had spent plenty of time visiting the coffee shop. It was a great place to have lunch meetings, catch-up with people, and linger. There was a time where I would go to Fuel every weekend to work and grade. 

But how? Why didn't I find out about this earlier?   

I had just been there with my dad, and sure it looked empty but not out of business “empty”. After some time messaging people and trying to figure out what had happened I was sent an article written by my friend Sophie (shoutout Urban Milwaukee) confirming the news. 

For me, the coffee shop was a special place. And to see it boarded up, lifeless and devoid of its energy really hit me on that Friday morning. I drove back home, without a cortado, remembering the many times I had gone to Fuel. I started picturing the people I had met up for food and the hours spent in the upper floor studying and working. It all came in waves. Some memories were sweeter than others. But that was the beauty of it all. Having a place be a constant in your life, though your ups and downs, was something I cherished. I thought Fuel would never close. Now, I can't help but think that a piece of me also left. 

I would like to close out this blog with a poem. For a long time, I have used poetry as an outlet, and think that this loss has spurred some questions, emotions, and inspiration.

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Fuel

(Milwaukee, WI)

Brewed mornings,

Soft hellos,

Brisk goodbyes

That never returned,

Good ideas, poor decisions,

All served up in a beige ceramic mug.

Connections, corrections,

Alignments only a chat 

Could coalesce 

The rumble of humanity,

Beating a low hum,

Healing to the touch,

Swooped away, but never gone,

All this pain, wrapped in a

Chrome heart…

To say goodbye would not suffice,

For now, “cheers” will do.