08/26/2022
Hello Everyone! We have news, although it is not the news we were hoping for, we DO plan to push forward with our plans as soon as possible.🙌We began planning this project right before COVID hit. At that point, this development was very doable. Since then, costs of construction materials and labor have become SO expensive that we are a bit short on the funding needed to begin construction. Due to this, we have been working with the Village of Bellevue to try to secure TIF or TID funding, however, two days ago, after months of going through this process with what seemed to be a very positive outlook, we were turned down for TIF funding from the village. 😔 We have no idea why, as this project will bring the village lots of traffic, excitement, and tax dollars on a lot that has been an eyesore for over a decade.💔
This development was being funded solely by me (Elizabeth). I am now seeking investors for the remaining amount of the downpayment that I will need to push forward. Here's a little about me: I am one of the owners of Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe, and the founder of Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary Inc. I have led Safe Haven to wild success and popularity, with the help of my amazing staff and volunteers. Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe quickly followed and has become extremely popular and successful over the last three years with the help of my purrrfect business partner, Leah Enking. I have been helping open local businesses, or opening my own for the last 8 years. I have experience in branding, marketing, business operations management, hospitality, and human services. I have my bachelors degree in psychology from UW-Green Bay, and a masters degree in clinical counseling from Lakeland University - WI and will soon be working as a therapist.
A few years ago my nonprofit organization began to partner with the well-loved Phin Sushi. They would often bring leftover salmon scraps as treats for our kitties. When they experienced a fire, all of our hearts were broken. We decided that one day we would bring Phin back, which began our partnership to form the cat cafe, Meowsabi Sushi & Cafe with sisters Katie Kanack and Darlene Ekinci.
From there our plans grew to include other good friends who were looking to rent space, owners of new up and coming bakery, and a successful salon. Both partner with, or volunteer with Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, and have become our life long friends. And, with the areas growing need for affordable pet-friendly apartments, we decided to add apartments to the second floor. Our amazing architects, Haag Muller Inc, and our awesome contractors at Smet Construction brought our vision to life, as you can see.
Our goal is to create a community where everyone experiences joy, run by a large, warm and welcoming group of friends - who are ALL animal lovers. The site will include the areas best sushi (with a sushi drive-thru🤩), delicious coffee, adoptable KITTIES, fresh baked goods, the most innovative stylists in town, and cozy, pet-friendly lofts.
If you are interested in getting involved in the development as an investor, please contact me at [email protected]
I promise that I will continue to work my butt off to make this happen for all of you, for my fellow business owners, and for all of the kitties who could benefit from this visibility and extra space. Please bear with me as I continue to navigate.❤️
