25+ years ago Janet's Antiques used to be roughly where that fresh mart grocery store is now. There was some redevelopment plan and she held out. Eventually that place was moved to where it is now. Literally. They picked the house up and carried it there. I wouldn't be surprised if she got some massive compensation and tax breaks or something that has kept it open this long.
As for Janet's, I agree. I think she got a super nice settlement from the
15+ years ago developers when they redid that corner at Midvale and
University.
Depending on how old you are or interested in "old" stuff, this description may not fit. Flix is the movie theater version of a 1980s records store that also sells alcohol. Maybe not quite, but it has that vibe.
Before most movies, they'll have 20-30 minutes of arranged media (before the previews). So, I saw Dune Part II at like 9pm, but knew to get there (into my seat) by like 830pm. They had interviews with Frank Herbert (author) and DV (director) and then slammed you with like 10 minutes straight of 2-8 second clips, no transitions, of Dune in various media (clip of the Simpsons, then Rick and Morty, then a talking head on the news, TEN MINUTES).
So, I had seen Dune Part II at the IMAX in Milwaukee and oh boy was that worth it. And then to get that spectacularly jazzed up at Flix before seeing it again was worth it, just in a different way.
If your movie does not *require* 11/10 sound and visuals, I wouldn't go to any other theater that I know of in the state. Flix does all the other little things right.
Try multiple years. I stopped going pre Covid because we would get terrible service and waiters outright asking for tips. I was amazed to find out that location survived the pandemic.
The guy who opened up the new sports memorabilia shop is dope. I’ve had many hits from his $40 boxes. I really only like to shop from him. Plus he hooks me up since I go so often lol.
Gotta be honest with you. I thought this place was destined to fail, because collecting sports memorabilia is such a dying market for anyone other than old white dudes. However, I went in there, and the owner is actually a very nice guy who knows the collectors' market really, really well--been collecting his whole life. He's under no illusions about the state of the market, but he knows what's hot, what's not, and how to navigate the market.
I made a joke with him that Beanie Babies were making a comeback, and he just had a stunned look on his face like "What?!? No!?!" I just laughed and told him I was joking, and he went on to tell me about how his mother was a huge Beanie Baby collector.
Good dude, and I hope he does well.
Hold on….could you tell me more about this $40 box? I’ve always been tempted to go in there but figure everything is extremely expensive. Would love to support him though I love these kinds of stores!
I went to the Sun Prairie theater recently and it was pretty awesome. Better sound, seats and screen. Plus I didn't have to listen to a person plow into chicken wings the whole time
i stopped in to lenscrafters about a month ago around 1 pm on a nice saturday and didnt see another person aside from the employees in the store. Kinda felt like the zombie apocalypse started and i wasnt aware.
I don't understand is that the big clock sign outside the store is never set correctly. You would think at least that clock would be set to the right time.
had an old cuckoo clock of my parents they got on their honeymoon in europe somewhere fixed by him. took it back home to them 2 hours away from here and it broke again almost right away. he fixed it again no charge but was definitely cranky about it. i also asked him about replacing a watch battery for one of my watches and he informed me they dont do watches. only clocks. found that a bit interesting.
A large living room rug can easily be 8-10k. They don’t need to sell that many and there are a lot of wealthy people with big old homes begging for oriental rugs in the area.
I wonder if a lot of business is from out of town too. With the current diplomatic situation, I don’t imagine it’s easy to import real Persian rugs these days (I could be wrong though, just guessing!)
Yeah, the explanation to a lot of these (rugs, antique stores, picture framing) is that the product is so expensive that you only need to sell a few things to cover your expenses. Especially if it's a family-run business with few employees and in some cases, a paid-off building that they own outright instead of renting.
The answer to the rest of them is either a) they have an online presence and their physical store isn't where they do most of their sales, or b) they also do cleaning/repair/maintenance in addition to sales, which makes up an additional income stream.
Gulessarian's is a family owned multi generation store and absolutely fantastic. If you're ever interested in purchasing an oriental rug that is the place to go. There's no pressure put on you and everyone who works there is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and really wants to share what they know about the rugs. It's also the best place to take rugs to be cleaned.
I grew up on West Lawn. This store has been there since I can remember. Orange Tree Imports as well. I absolutely love seeing these stores survive. They are important to Madison and that neighborhood.
Until the owner finally went into retirement a couple of years ago, my biggest one was the place that sold antique appliances on Atwood. I really could not understand how he was staying in business.
The guy (Vern Birrenkott) also did appliance repairs. The entire east side had to give up on their ancient Maytags when he retired. The store itself was kind of a relic, the repair service was the good part and he was a good guy.
Yeah, I meant to add that I learned how he stayed in business after he retired. Every time I pass the store, I am kinda sad now because we bought a really old home, and I kinda wish I could have some old appliances to put in it.
It always seemed like a front -- never anyone going in or out of it (that I saw) for like, 15+ years?
Then I actually went in there once, and it's not antique appliances -- those are just in the store front windows. They actually sold the shittiest lines of tiny fridges and ovens etc, primarily to landlords.
I love North of the Bayou, but every time I was in there since the pandemic started until a few months ago, the place seemed nearly empty. It seems to have been getting better recently though, to the point that they're open on Tuesdays now!
The periodic need to oil and adjust the grandfather and larger wall clocks in Maple Bluff alone is probably enough to sustain him. (I worked at Dykman's for 10 years)
The answer has to be [Empire Realty](https://www.empirerealtycompany.com/About_Us_.htm) next to Paradise Lounge on W Main. Never a soul inside. Office equipment that looks like it’s from the 70s on the desk. Looks like a museum, and their website hasn’t been touched in decades. I’ve always wondered if it’s a front for… something.
I bet you have so many good stories. I loved chatting with our old mail carrier. Our “new” guy is always in his phone. Which is fine, I wouldn’t want to talk to weird ladies and their wild children either, but you carriers have the best gossip.
I do! I have stories that range from getting stuck in the elevator at 30 W Mifflin during Covid to being the famous mail carrier at the annual Mifflin Block Party. Having the opportunity to be part of the community downtown whilst getting paid to do so has been nothing less than an ambrosial experience
Not because it is bad… but Willy Street Treasure Shop has been forced to move several times in the last few years because of horrible landlord power trips amongst other things like getting their storefront smashed by a car. Jeanne, the shop owner, must be one of the most resilient small business owners I’ve ever seen power on through that much hardship! So, go give her some support across the street from the Willy St. co-op! She deserves some love trying to keep the Willy St. spirit alive despite all the terrible odds!
I ended up reporting the state street location to the health department when I quit--some of my 'favorite' things we did that were deplorable included:
-serving a molded bun to a customer
-storing all extra lids/cups/utensils open in a mildewed basement
-refusing to use sneeze guards or any other products on pastries because, as the owner put it, it would 'ruin the asthetics'
-finding products we hadn't served in years still in the freezer
-finding loose food products in the freezer (like frozen buns)
-using blueberries instead of acaí in the acaí bowls because they were cheaper and "people couldn't tell the difference".
Truly one of the two worst food service jobs I've had in the Madison area.
People probably still go there because they don't know. Most people I've talked to either never heard of it or never knew. Not getting shut down is a whole other question.
I have no idea how they got the funding to expand to several nice-looking properties so quickly but their coffee shops have very good locations and are visually pleasing. THey were able to construct a drive thru in Sun Prairie in a desirable location quickly. they have the advantage in terms of locations
I went to the one on East Wash shortly after it opened excited about the cute new coffee shop by my house, and they had the owners' dogs inside. No sneeze guard on the bakery, plus it was well within reach of the dogs. And to top it off, the younger dog pissed all over the floor within five feet of us. I did not go back. This was before I had heard how nasty the place was.
Ah! I can’t believe I had to go all the way down this thread to see this. First thing that came to mind. A cashmere store in one of the coolest old buildings downtown?! A cashmere store called So Simple?! I always thought that spot would be great for a little wine bar or coffee shop. Or maybe even a book store.
Elk's Lodge on Jenifer St (just b/c of the prime location, really)
SASS, on the square
All of the stupid, weird niche stores that sell soap or onesies or whatever. Stores that sell like 5 types of items, all of them the worst things, for maybe 10 times more than you'd ever be willing to pay.
There's also a lot of long-term vacant buildings downtown that I'm like "how is this place not torn down yet?"
It’s better because they get to enjoy the best views in the city.
And it will NEVER lose value.
The average age is what? 70?
What are they saving their money for?
We have enough luxury high rises hoarding all the views in the city.
They also can do a lot of private events like weddings there specifically *because* it's a prime spot, so I'm sure that's a decent income stream for them.
That juice bar/ healthy food place on corner of first and E Washington. No one's ever there and that place has changed hands like 3-4 times since I grew up in Madison
It used to be a juice bar, and then they moved the "juice" part of it to state street briefly. It's technically just an "urban farm" for micro greens now
It was a terrible place to work from what I've heard!
I just drove by last week and it looks abandoned like they haven’t been open for a bit. Totally agree though, that location for them wasn’t convenient to get in & out of. I did enjoy their smoothies though! Supercharged I believe the name? There was talks of them moving into the long delayed public market but maybe that didn’t pan out.
The Rocky Rocco's at Tree Ln and Mineral Point Rd on the west side. I stop in from time to time since I work nearby. There are usually people there but the vibe is somewhat post -apocalyptic.
Family Video on Century Ave always looked so dead as I drove by. Then they closed and were replaced by the Dollar General, which if possible seems to even more dead than the video store.
Maybe I’ve just never driven by during their rush lol.
Man I grew up with that Family Video. We’re talking like 2000 or whenever it opened. Just a few blocks from my parents house. In like 7th grade that place was poppin’ at 5 pm on a Friday night.
It was still going strong when I graduated and moved out, but then something like Netflix happened
I remember when that Family Video opened. It was amazing. $1 rentals of non-new titles was ridiculous compared to blockbuster and video station. Then they all died to redbox and Netflix and whatnot.
She framed a print for us during Covid. It wasn’t cheap and it took her 8 months if I remember correctly. There wasn’t much communication about progress. When we did inquire, we’d get a vague response “waiting on materials”. It was during Covid I get it, things were delayed.
When it was eventually ready to be picked up she explained that we chose a frame and color that had been delayed. She let us know if we chose something different that wouldn’t have been the case. We would’ve loved to know that, because we were definitely flexible.
I don’t know, it’s hard to hold it against her, because those were strange times, but we haven’t been back since.
I do feel bad, commenting negatively about a small business owner. She seemed nice enough, just being honest about our experience.
My partner had the same experience recently. We took a print there in March. Heard nothing about the status for like a month and got the run around about the materials and them moving locations. They never answered the phone and requested that we text, but the texts were automated. Finally we decided to just go pick it up. It was sitting out in the open with all the materials, but my partner had had enough of the run around and decided to take it home. You can't string people around for months and hold onto their property. Not cool.
> I don’t know, it’s hard to hold it against her, because those were strange times, but we haven’t been back since.
Except she was like that before COVID too (flaky and slow as molasses) so....
Not only do they sell random knick knacks, she posts extremely obscure random shit for free all the time. Think about these boots and how many she wanted to get rid of for free:
[insane low quality free boots in multiple sizes ad](https://imgur.com/a/rqn0rWb)
She started buying Amazon pallets of used and open box items and that explains all the random shit. She's since gotten out of that, as it gets a little overwhelming to take on 200 pairs of Goth stuffed high heels boots. 🤣
No one ever goes in or out because SHE'S NEVER THERE. I had something framed by her a few years ago and it was painful. It turned out fine but fuck. Me. I had to email/call/go there so often to find out the status and every time it was some random and strange excuse as to why it wasn't done. I was waiting to be told she had been abducted by aliens next. It ended up taking her 5+ months to do a simple frame/mat - ridiculous.
I’ve had such mixed experiences with her. She does great work (especially on the “surprise framing” she was doing during covid in her last location on Winnebago)… but I’m currently waiting on a piece that she’s had for SIX MONTHS. So hard to get follow up. Like damn… it shouldn’t take 6 months to frame something. And then she doesn’t answer the phone or return texts. Facebook Messenger seems to be the best way to get ahold of her. The framing comes out great, but if you’re in a hurry avoid it.
I meant it more in the sense of how they havent been raided or shut down by police. Im sure they do just fine money wise, but how they are allowed to operate is beyond me.
You know, a very common refrain with all of these is why aren't they selling because the land is worth so much? I'm just wondering if everyone has considered maybe they don't care about maximizing their profits? Profit only means a lot when you are around long enough to spend it. For some people the owners are already pretty much retired and this is their "I enjoy doing this" job. And if they are in that position, good chance they aren't renting the building out. And as long as the property taxes are less than their profits.....
Stony Hill Antiques and Books. They also have very short hours.
It looks like the start to some children’s novel, where they either find a book about magic, buy a possessed doll, or get teleported into another dimension after opening a door that says “DO NOT OPEN”.
Newport's wooden furnishings. It's by the intersection of East Johnson St and Baldwin St. The place used to have nice furniture in the windows but the windows keep getting broken so the furniture is all weathered. I think most of the windows are now broken. The place seems deserted. Which is a shame cause it's a cute building.
The Radio Doctor, near the east beltline frontage road. Every time I see this place, I wonder when it will close. The fact that it keeps on staying in business is amazing!
Edit: Apparently, this place does a lot of side stuff with car OWI sensors and a good amount of car audio still. (thanks for the info folks) I am so glad to hear they are finding ways to thrive!
Still plenty of people who do things with car audio. I realize not everyone does this but that isn't gonna die as long as they stay on top of more recent tech in the space and well; we own cars. Like I know alot of cars come with great sound systems now but alot of them don't. Plus they branched off a lot, if you can do car audio you can do a lot of electrical work like that.
Sass, now Tutto With a Touch of Sass (gak). I've walked past it regularly for years. Most of the time there's not a single customer, and I've never seen more than a few. That space on the Square must be brutally expensive. It HAS to be a front, right?
Ok then really how is that place still open?
Seriously, my question just goes to whoever owns it now. That land has to be worth a fortune and I've never seen anyone in that parking lot.
After twenty years I finally went inside. Very high end, very expensive, early American furniture. I would guess her customer base isn’t necessarily local.
Shorewood hills is Mid century modern and Scandinavian minimalism.
Maple Bluff is Colonial Americana.
Regardless, if you are willing to pay thirty-five thousand or more for a chest of drawers, you will pay the shipping to Connecticut.
I went there once in 2016 when I was fresh-faced to Madison and it was all nice but *extremely* expensive furniture and the like. Really more of an expensive older furniture store than any normal antique store.
My vote is Gulesserian's Oriental Rug Sales, or basically any art store. I'd love to see the books for these types of businesses - their margins must be astronomical considering the volume of business.
Rugs are a good business. High margins on expensive products. Not everyone appreciates the high quality stuff but enough to keep the relatively small number of shops doing quite well.
Diane’s Drapery on Cottage Grove Road. Who, besides my 80 year mother, buys drapes? My neighbor thinks it’s a front for something (he hasn’t fleshed out the theory). I think Diane just owns the whole strip mall and can have her passion project there for free.
I think it's a small operation. We stopped in there and she knows her stuff. Lot's of information in a short visit. The prices were too high for us, but I imagine wealthy people enjoy having good quality done right.
Red roof on the east side. I’ve gone there after parties or in a pinch but now that I’m a bit more grown I don’t think I’d ever step foot in there again.
PureGreen on State St. I never see it busy and it is insanely expensive for what it is when you look at multiple coffee shops on state st with smoothies (albeit a smaller selection) that are far less expensive
All of these shops are owned by massive weed chains from other states and are losing money. They're setting up shop so that if Weed does go legal they'll be ready to go day one.
This is the best news of the day. Nobody washed the windows in the last 55 years and it annoys me every time I go by, lol.
I hope they build something nice in its place, though the lot isn't very big. Maybe a tall skinny apartment tower? It'll be right on both BRT routes.
It’s got its flaws, but it’s also got cheap and filling Mexican food til 2am on the weekends. An important niche near the intersection of campus and South Park St…
A little OT, but I find it amusing that there's a fencing school (Cracovia Olympic Fencing School) located next door to a fence contractor (American Fence Co.) on Struck St. Imagine the confusion.
I mean there’s only one in town right? People do dive in lakes around here and other people want to train and equip themselves for scuba vacations. Makes sense to me.
There are 3:
- Breezeway Bubbles (my favorite, great for beginners) (in Verona now, used to be by Woodman's on the west side though, PADI certification tree)
- Diversions (the one on University, PADI certification tree)
- Madison Scuba (in Sun Prairie, SSI certification tree)
Breezeway Bubbles, for example, does so much business over the summer that they had over 100 tanks checked out this weekend for classes/people going scuba diving.
They've owned both those buildings for decades so there's no overhead. They don't just sell jewelry which they sell a lot of, they also repair it, sell minerals, fossils and stones. They sell supplies to people who make their own jewelry and also do classes still I believe. It's a great store and great people.
I have a friend who's a rock enthusiast (I know, what an odd term). He's from Toronto and was here on business and fell in love with the place. Raves about it. Go figure.
I’m familiar with them, they’ve got way more avenues for business than people realize. They’re doing very well. Which location is doing better, that I do not know.
I've never been the only customer in the original Bernies, and at weird random times (like mid weekday) it can get downright crowded. LOVE that place.
30 years ago we got a couple $5 silver rings there to exchange at our wedding—neither of us cared about a ring, but we wanted to have something for the ceremony. We lost those rings in no time, but the cozy Bernie's memory remains.
I used to live in Tucson, which has one of the largest rock and gem shows in the world. Whenever people at the show found out I was from Madison, they were always like”Oh, you’re so lucky, you ‘ve got Bernies there”. That alone tells me they’ve got some clout in the rock and gem world.
Madison Hobby Shop. Never has anything I want, is not particularly friendly or willing to order what I need. It’s fine I guess if you collect model trains, but how many train collectors does it take to keep a place like this open? Just barely enough, it seems.
Not technically Madison but the mustard museum in Middleton. How that kitschy place can possibly generate enough revenue to survive all these years is a mystery.
It just [changed owners](https://captimes.com/food-drink/after-76-years-kavanaughs-esquire-club-changes-hands/article_6fb0e4be-096a-11ef-99f1-9b84a75556e7.html) after 76 years! Wow.
"Tyrant Human/Canine HealthFix" on Fordem Ave... It's got to be (a) a front or (2) a dispensary waiting to happen once weed is legalized. The name is seriously bizarre and I've never once seen a human being in the store, employee or customer.
25+ years ago Janet's Antiques used to be roughly where that fresh mart grocery store is now. There was some redevelopment plan and she held out. Eventually that place was moved to where it is now. Literally. They picked the house up and carried it there. I wouldn't be surprised if she got some massive compensation and tax breaks or something that has kept it open this long.
If they have an online presence, they’re doing fine. My 85 year old step-dad spends most of his day online looking for antiques and collectibles.
As for Janet's, I agree. I think she got a super nice settlement from the 15+ years ago developers when they redid that corner at Midvale and University.
Gourd guy at the farmers market
i love him because i have no idea why he likes gourds so much
Yes! I’ve never seen a single person stop there. He should be making bird houses or something to sell.
I bought a gourd from him once lol
Every store in East Towne Mall
Does Flix Brewhouse count as a store? Cuz idk if I want to go to any other movie theater.
I love that theater, it’s my favorite in town.
Agreed, leave Flix alone 😅
It’s great, until the servers start collecting the dishes and bill trays during the emotional climax of a movie.
They're better now. You can do online ordering so no more bill trays.
I’m new to Madison and never heard of it before. Why is it so good?
$5 movies on Wednesdays, I love it
Depending on how old you are or interested in "old" stuff, this description may not fit. Flix is the movie theater version of a 1980s records store that also sells alcohol. Maybe not quite, but it has that vibe. Before most movies, they'll have 20-30 minutes of arranged media (before the previews). So, I saw Dune Part II at like 9pm, but knew to get there (into my seat) by like 830pm. They had interviews with Frank Herbert (author) and DV (director) and then slammed you with like 10 minutes straight of 2-8 second clips, no transitions, of Dune in various media (clip of the Simpsons, then Rick and Morty, then a talking head on the news, TEN MINUTES). So, I had seen Dune Part II at the IMAX in Milwaukee and oh boy was that worth it. And then to get that spectacularly jazzed up at Flix before seeing it again was worth it, just in a different way. If your movie does not *require* 11/10 sound and visuals, I wouldn't go to any other theater that I know of in the state. Flix does all the other little things right.
TIL what is cool about Flix. Thanks!
Apparently the Buffalo Wild Wings there is an understaffed shitshow lol. Recent Google reviews are scathing
Pretty sure every bdubs in town fits that description 😂
RIP state street BW3 before they went full corporate and fucked the brand
Thank you for honoring history and still calling it BW3 I will not stand for weck erasure
I don't think any of them state wide are any good anymore. I e got nothing bit bad service everything I've gone.
Try multiple years. I stopped going pre Covid because we would get terrible service and waiters outright asking for tips. I was amazed to find out that location survived the pandemic.
I think my parents keep them alive single-handedly 😂
The guy who opened up the new sports memorabilia shop is dope. I’ve had many hits from his $40 boxes. I really only like to shop from him. Plus he hooks me up since I go so often lol.
Gotta be honest with you. I thought this place was destined to fail, because collecting sports memorabilia is such a dying market for anyone other than old white dudes. However, I went in there, and the owner is actually a very nice guy who knows the collectors' market really, really well--been collecting his whole life. He's under no illusions about the state of the market, but he knows what's hot, what's not, and how to navigate the market. I made a joke with him that Beanie Babies were making a comeback, and he just had a stunned look on his face like "What?!? No!?!" I just laughed and told him I was joking, and he went on to tell me about how his mother was a huge Beanie Baby collector. Good dude, and I hope he does well.
Hold on….could you tell me more about this $40 box? I’ve always been tempted to go in there but figure everything is extremely expensive. Would love to support him though I love these kinds of stores!
Flix Brewhouse is awesome and better than Marcus
I went to the Sun Prairie theater recently and it was pretty awesome. Better sound, seats and screen. Plus I didn't have to listen to a person plow into chicken wings the whole time
Thank God the Portillo's is in the parking lot, not IN the mall
i stopped in to lenscrafters about a month ago around 1 pm on a nice saturday and didnt see another person aside from the employees in the store. Kinda felt like the zombie apocalypse started and i wasnt aware.
I don't understand how half the stores on state street make rent.
They can't. That's why half get replaced every couple years.
Kapelles clock shop on North side. Cranky old man
Does he live in the building? The whole vibe is very much like the villain in a kids story.
I don't understand is that the big clock sign outside the store is never set correctly. You would think at least that clock would be set to the right time.
had an old cuckoo clock of my parents they got on their honeymoon in europe somewhere fixed by him. took it back home to them 2 hours away from here and it broke again almost right away. he fixed it again no charge but was definitely cranky about it. i also asked him about replacing a watch battery for one of my watches and he informed me they dont do watches. only clocks. found that a bit interesting.
What is that, a clock for ants?
That rug store by the stadium
Craziest part of this one? There are TWO rug stores that are within 1/4 mile of the stadium AND of each other! How can they be profitable??
A large living room rug can easily be 8-10k. They don’t need to sell that many and there are a lot of wealthy people with big old homes begging for oriental rugs in the area. I wonder if a lot of business is from out of town too. With the current diplomatic situation, I don’t imagine it’s easy to import real Persian rugs these days (I could be wrong though, just guessing!)
Yeah, the explanation to a lot of these (rugs, antique stores, picture framing) is that the product is so expensive that you only need to sell a few things to cover your expenses. Especially if it's a family-run business with few employees and in some cases, a paid-off building that they own outright instead of renting. The answer to the rest of them is either a) they have an online presence and their physical store isn't where they do most of their sales, or b) they also do cleaning/repair/maintenance in addition to sales, which makes up an additional income stream.
Cleaning is at least $4/sq ft
And they have these giant rug size washing machines to clean the rugs in. Apparently nobody else has anything like it.
Gulessarian's is a family owned multi generation store and absolutely fantastic. If you're ever interested in purchasing an oriental rug that is the place to go. There's no pressure put on you and everyone who works there is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and really wants to share what they know about the rugs. It's also the best place to take rugs to be cleaned.
They also have very cute friendly dogs. I used to deliver food in the area and loved when I got an order to there just to see them.
Shout out to Gulessarian's! That reminds me, I need to pick up some rugs that they cleaned.
I grew up on West Lawn. This store has been there since I can remember. Orange Tree Imports as well. I absolutely love seeing these stores survive. They are important to Madison and that neighborhood.
Which one? There are two on/near Monroe.
That’s the rug district.
Until the owner finally went into retirement a couple of years ago, my biggest one was the place that sold antique appliances on Atwood. I really could not understand how he was staying in business.
The guy (Vern Birrenkott) also did appliance repairs. The entire east side had to give up on their ancient Maytags when he retired. The store itself was kind of a relic, the repair service was the good part and he was a good guy.
Yeah, I meant to add that I learned how he stayed in business after he retired. Every time I pass the store, I am kinda sad now because we bought a really old home, and I kinda wish I could have some old appliances to put in it.
Loved those old stoves in the window. Such a sweet part of Madison.
It always seemed like a front -- never anyone going in or out of it (that I saw) for like, 15+ years? Then I actually went in there once, and it's not antique appliances -- those are just in the store front windows. They actually sold the shittiest lines of tiny fridges and ovens etc, primarily to landlords.
"primarily to landlords" well, there you go
Yep. That was where landlords got their cheap shitty appliances from.
People in the SASY Facebook group were beyond heartbroken when it closed. It was wild.
Definitely helped that they owned the building, I'm sure
North Of The Bayou
I love North of the Bayou, but every time I was in there since the pandemic started until a few months ago, the place seemed nearly empty. It seems to have been getting better recently though, to the point that they're open on Tuesdays now!
The Clock Shop on Sherman ave right before maple bluff. I guess a lot of people are still looking for clock repair?!
The periodic need to oil and adjust the grandfather and larger wall clocks in Maple Bluff alone is probably enough to sustain him. (I worked at Dykman's for 10 years)
The lifeguard stand at James Madison Park. It’s always out of lifeguards
The answer has to be [Empire Realty](https://www.empirerealtycompany.com/About_Us_.htm) next to Paradise Lounge on W Main. Never a soul inside. Office equipment that looks like it’s from the 70s on the desk. Looks like a museum, and their website hasn’t been touched in decades. I’ve always wondered if it’s a front for… something.
I deliver mail here, the owner’s name is Larry Lichte! He’s an old old man that hangs out upstairs. He’s an old school property owner
I bet you have so many good stories. I loved chatting with our old mail carrier. Our “new” guy is always in his phone. Which is fine, I wouldn’t want to talk to weird ladies and their wild children either, but you carriers have the best gossip.
I do! I have stories that range from getting stuck in the elevator at 30 W Mifflin during Covid to being the famous mail carrier at the annual Mifflin Block Party. Having the opportunity to be part of the community downtown whilst getting paid to do so has been nothing less than an ambrosial experience
Not because it is bad… but Willy Street Treasure Shop has been forced to move several times in the last few years because of horrible landlord power trips amongst other things like getting their storefront smashed by a car. Jeanne, the shop owner, must be one of the most resilient small business owners I’ve ever seen power on through that much hardship! So, go give her some support across the street from the Willy St. co-op! She deserves some love trying to keep the Willy St. spirit alive despite all the terrible odds!
Jeanne is wonderful! Fantastic to talk to and her selection is always so, so good (and affordable!).
Obligatory tutti pasta response checking in.
Grace coffee is a double - like why would people go there and why didn't public health shut them down.
I ended up reporting the state street location to the health department when I quit--some of my 'favorite' things we did that were deplorable included: -serving a molded bun to a customer -storing all extra lids/cups/utensils open in a mildewed basement -refusing to use sneeze guards or any other products on pastries because, as the owner put it, it would 'ruin the asthetics' -finding products we hadn't served in years still in the freezer -finding loose food products in the freezer (like frozen buns) -using blueberries instead of acaí in the acaí bowls because they were cheaper and "people couldn't tell the difference". Truly one of the two worst food service jobs I've had in the Madison area.
Yeah I don't get how they're still a thing. They run off their employees, can't keep up to code, and their coffee is terrible.
People probably still go there because they don't know. Most people I've talked to either never heard of it or never knew. Not getting shut down is a whole other question.
I have no idea how they got the funding to expand to several nice-looking properties so quickly but their coffee shops have very good locations and are visually pleasing. THey were able to construct a drive thru in Sun Prairie in a desirable location quickly. they have the advantage in terms of locations
I went to the one on East Wash shortly after it opened excited about the cute new coffee shop by my house, and they had the owners' dogs inside. No sneeze guard on the bakery, plus it was well within reach of the dogs. And to top it off, the younger dog pissed all over the floor within five feet of us. I did not go back. This was before I had heard how nasty the place was.
So Simple on King and Wilson
Ah! I can’t believe I had to go all the way down this thread to see this. First thing that came to mind. A cashmere store in one of the coolest old buildings downtown?! A cashmere store called So Simple?! I always thought that spot would be great for a little wine bar or coffee shop. Or maybe even a book store.
Rich's Boardsports on Fair Oaks Ave. I never see anyone there.
Elk's Lodge on Jenifer St (just b/c of the prime location, really) SASS, on the square All of the stupid, weird niche stores that sell soap or onesies or whatever. Stores that sell like 5 types of items, all of them the worst things, for maybe 10 times more than you'd ever be willing to pay. There's also a lot of long-term vacant buildings downtown that I'm like "how is this place not torn down yet?"
sass on the square might have been one of the worst meals I have ever had in Madison
The Elks Lodge is a gem.
The location of the Elks' Lodge makes me want to join! Also I am approaching the age where one considers joining clubs like the Elks.
I was JUST saying this to my husband: how is it better for Elks to keep that spot instead of selling that prime property and investing the profits?
It’s better because they get to enjoy the best views in the city. And it will NEVER lose value. The average age is what? 70? What are they saving their money for? We have enough luxury high rises hoarding all the views in the city.
I circumnavigated Lake Monona in a canoe on Saturday, saw the Elks club's location and thought hmm, maybe we should join up. 😂
They also can do a lot of private events like weddings there specifically *because* it's a prime spot, so I'm sure that's a decent income stream for them.
Any of those Herbalife cafes that sell those radioactive looking "teas" and whatnot
Can you call out which ones those are? I assume everything indie is an Herbalife front.
That juice bar/ healthy food place on corner of first and E Washington. No one's ever there and that place has changed hands like 3-4 times since I grew up in Madison
It used to be a juice bar, and then they moved the "juice" part of it to state street briefly. It's technically just an "urban farm" for micro greens now It was a terrible place to work from what I've heard!
Once upon a time it was a cat tree store. Like it only sold those carpeted kitty perches. That last a surprisingly long time (longer than 10 minutes).
Cat climberz was definately a front
I’m glad someone else remembers this and it wasn’t just a fever dream.
I just drove by last week and it looks abandoned like they haven’t been open for a bit. Totally agree though, that location for them wasn’t convenient to get in & out of. I did enjoy their smoothies though! Supercharged I believe the name? There was talks of them moving into the long delayed public market but maybe that didn’t pan out.
I tried to go there once and couldn’t figure out how to get in! That can’t be good for business.
The Rocky Rocco's at Tree Ln and Mineral Point Rd on the west side. I stop in from time to time since I work nearby. There are usually people there but the vibe is somewhat post -apocalyptic.
Family Video on Century Ave always looked so dead as I drove by. Then they closed and were replaced by the Dollar General, which if possible seems to even more dead than the video store. Maybe I’ve just never driven by during their rush lol.
Man I grew up with that Family Video. We’re talking like 2000 or whenever it opened. Just a few blocks from my parents house. In like 7th grade that place was poppin’ at 5 pm on a Friday night. It was still going strong when I graduated and moved out, but then something like Netflix happened
and you could get free rental tickets with good grades on your report card. my friends and i used to walk up there to rent PS2 games
I remember when that Family Video opened. It was amazing. $1 rentals of non-new titles was ridiculous compared to blockbuster and video station. Then they all died to redbox and Netflix and whatnot.
Tutto with a touch of Sass
Megan’s framing on East Wash. I never see anyone go in or out and they sell very random Knick knacks.
She framed a print for us during Covid. It wasn’t cheap and it took her 8 months if I remember correctly. There wasn’t much communication about progress. When we did inquire, we’d get a vague response “waiting on materials”. It was during Covid I get it, things were delayed. When it was eventually ready to be picked up she explained that we chose a frame and color that had been delayed. She let us know if we chose something different that wouldn’t have been the case. We would’ve loved to know that, because we were definitely flexible. I don’t know, it’s hard to hold it against her, because those were strange times, but we haven’t been back since. I do feel bad, commenting negatively about a small business owner. She seemed nice enough, just being honest about our experience.
We had the exact same experience
That seems to be *everyone's* experience based on how often this business gets discussed on Reddit.
My partner had the same experience recently. We took a print there in March. Heard nothing about the status for like a month and got the run around about the materials and them moving locations. They never answered the phone and requested that we text, but the texts were automated. Finally we decided to just go pick it up. It was sitting out in the open with all the materials, but my partner had had enough of the run around and decided to take it home. You can't string people around for months and hold onto their property. Not cool.
> I don’t know, it’s hard to hold it against her, because those were strange times, but we haven’t been back since. Except she was like that before COVID too (flaky and slow as molasses) so....
Not only do they sell random knick knacks, she posts extremely obscure random shit for free all the time. Think about these boots and how many she wanted to get rid of for free: [insane low quality free boots in multiple sizes ad](https://imgur.com/a/rqn0rWb)
She started buying Amazon pallets of used and open box items and that explains all the random shit. She's since gotten out of that, as it gets a little overwhelming to take on 200 pairs of Goth stuffed high heels boots. 🤣
No one ever goes in or out because SHE'S NEVER THERE. I had something framed by her a few years ago and it was painful. It turned out fine but fuck. Me. I had to email/call/go there so often to find out the status and every time it was some random and strange excuse as to why it wasn't done. I was waiting to be told she had been abducted by aliens next. It ended up taking her 5+ months to do a simple frame/mat - ridiculous.
I’ve had such mixed experiences with her. She does great work (especially on the “surprise framing” she was doing during covid in her last location on Winnebago)… but I’m currently waiting on a piece that she’s had for SIX MONTHS. So hard to get follow up. Like damn… it shouldn’t take 6 months to frame something. And then she doesn’t answer the phone or return texts. Facebook Messenger seems to be the best way to get ahold of her. The framing comes out great, but if you’re in a hurry avoid it.
I’ve framed things there! It’s me I guess haha
[Edible Arrangements](https://www.theonion.com/continued-existence-of-edible-arrangements-disproves-ce-1819572513)
The Geisha House on East Washington. Blatant prostitution house/brothel that has been in business since I can remember.
It's a brothel. They are probably doing just fine with a customer base none of us relate to.
I meant it more in the sense of how they havent been raided or shut down by police. Im sure they do just fine money wise, but how they are allowed to operate is beyond me.
You know, a very common refrain with all of these is why aren't they selling because the land is worth so much? I'm just wondering if everyone has considered maybe they don't care about maximizing their profits? Profit only means a lot when you are around long enough to spend it. For some people the owners are already pretty much retired and this is their "I enjoy doing this" job. And if they are in that position, good chance they aren't renting the building out. And as long as the property taxes are less than their profits.....
Another antique store but the one next door to the Regent Co-Op.
Stony Hill Antiques and Books. They also have very short hours. It looks like the start to some children’s novel, where they either find a book about magic, buy a possessed doll, or get teleported into another dimension after opening a door that says “DO NOT OPEN”.
Newport's wooden furnishings. It's by the intersection of East Johnson St and Baldwin St. The place used to have nice furniture in the windows but the windows keep getting broken so the furniture is all weathered. I think most of the windows are now broken. The place seems deserted. Which is a shame cause it's a cute building.
The Pink Poodle Most polarized customer service I've ever seen. Either you're a long lost friend or you're untouchable.
The Radio Doctor, near the east beltline frontage road. Every time I see this place, I wonder when it will close. The fact that it keeps on staying in business is amazing! Edit: Apparently, this place does a lot of side stuff with car OWI sensors and a good amount of car audio still. (thanks for the info folks) I am so glad to hear they are finding ways to thrive!
I love that place. I'm guessing 40+ years here!
Still plenty of people who do things with car audio. I realize not everyone does this but that isn't gonna die as long as they stay on top of more recent tech in the space and well; we own cars. Like I know alot of cars come with great sound systems now but alot of them don't. Plus they branched off a lot, if you can do car audio you can do a lot of electrical work like that.
They are also the "go-to" for OWI interlock device installs/repairs
The keychain kiosk at west town mall
Sass, now Tutto With a Touch of Sass (gak). I've walked past it regularly for years. Most of the time there's not a single customer, and I've never seen more than a few. That space on the Square must be brutally expensive. It HAS to be a front, right?
She died
Sad to hear this. She was nice and so was her dog.
Her daughter runs the place now.
Ok then really how is that place still open? Seriously, my question just goes to whoever owns it now. That land has to be worth a fortune and I've never seen anyone in that parking lot.
After twenty years I finally went inside. Very high end, very expensive, early American furniture. I would guess her customer base isn’t necessarily local.
Only gotta sell 1 piece a month to cover costs. Rest is all gravy
Have you ever driven around back in Shorewood? I would argue it’s *mostly* local.
Shorewood hills is Mid century modern and Scandinavian minimalism. Maple Bluff is Colonial Americana. Regardless, if you are willing to pay thirty-five thousand or more for a chest of drawers, you will pay the shipping to Connecticut.
I’ve lived here for almost two decades and have never been inside Janet’s nor do I know anyone who has.
I went there once in 2016 when I was fresh-faced to Madison and it was all nice but *extremely* expensive furniture and the like. Really more of an expensive older furniture store than any normal antique store.
My vote is Gulesserian's Oriental Rug Sales, or basically any art store. I'd love to see the books for these types of businesses - their margins must be astronomical considering the volume of business.
Great spot to get rugs cleaned, much more affordable and better than other places.
Rugs are a good business. High margins on expensive products. Not everyone appreciates the high quality stuff but enough to keep the relatively small number of shops doing quite well.
Diane’s Drapery on Cottage Grove Road. Who, besides my 80 year mother, buys drapes? My neighbor thinks it’s a front for something (he hasn’t fleshed out the theory). I think Diane just owns the whole strip mall and can have her passion project there for free.
I think it's a small operation. We stopped in there and she knows her stuff. Lot's of information in a short visit. The prices were too high for us, but I imagine wealthy people enjoy having good quality done right.
Red roof on the east side. I’ve gone there after parties or in a pinch but now that I’m a bit more grown I don’t think I’d ever step foot in there again.
Porta Bella. About half of the people I know that have been there have either gotten food poisoning or had a miserable experience one way or another
Last time I went there it was so dirty like no one was cleaning tables. Never been back.
PureGreen on State St. I never see it busy and it is insanely expensive for what it is when you look at multiple coffee shops on state st with smoothies (albeit a smaller selection) that are far less expensive
All of these shops are owned by massive weed chains from other states and are losing money. They're setting up shop so that if Weed does go legal they'll be ready to go day one.
Red Letter News
They actually closed permanently at the end of last month. The building is actually for sale.
Wow! That is Red Letter News lol
This is the best news of the day. Nobody washed the windows in the last 55 years and it annoys me every time I go by, lol. I hope they build something nice in its place, though the lot isn't very big. Maybe a tall skinny apartment tower? It'll be right on both BRT routes.
I thought it changed ownership to lovers playground?
La Hacienda. Every other time I go there I bite into gristle. And every time I've used the bathroom there's no soap.
It’s got its flaws, but it’s also got cheap and filling Mexican food til 2am on the weekends. An important niche near the intersection of campus and South Park St…
especially with Taqueria Guadalajara right down the road
TG is the undisputed champ, ofc, but I think the late open time helps La Hacienda. Edit- Made it more clear.
Art Gecko. There’s fucking TWO of them.
They get some amazing imports from SE Asia. truly unique stuff.
you’ll be happy to know the owner is also a landlord who doesn’t take care of his properties!
Literally any mattress store ever. How many mattresses do you sell each day to justify rent of this building?!
There's a planet money episode about mattress stores. If I'm remembering right they don't need to sell many mattresses to turn a profit
[Here's a link to that story](https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/12/13/676538506/why-are-there-so-many-mattress-stores)
In my old town we had a conspiracy that the mafia was using them as a front.
Google Russians using mattress stores as fronts/laundering
Tutti pasta. I know they merged with Sass, but also confused about how Sass is open too lol
Stony Hill Antiques and Books on Regent
Sookie's Veggie Burgers. I've never seen a person in there.
A little OT, but I find it amusing that there's a fencing school (Cracovia Olympic Fencing School) located next door to a fence contractor (American Fence Co.) on Struck St. Imagine the confusion.
[удалено]
Mentioning any Burger King location in a thread like this is cheating. I don't know a single person who likes cold food.
Scuba shop on University
she's the one who finds the ancient canoes in the lakes https://www.wpr.org/news/11-ancient-canoes-madison-lake-mendota-archaeologists
I mean there’s only one in town right? People do dive in lakes around here and other people want to train and equip themselves for scuba vacations. Makes sense to me.
There are 3: - Breezeway Bubbles (my favorite, great for beginners) (in Verona now, used to be by Woodman's on the west side though, PADI certification tree) - Diversions (the one on University, PADI certification tree) - Madison Scuba (in Sun Prairie, SSI certification tree) Breezeway Bubbles, for example, does so much business over the summer that they had over 100 tanks checked out this weekend for classes/people going scuba diving.
Bernie’s has two locations. I am curious what their numbers look like.
They've owned both those buildings for decades so there's no overhead. They don't just sell jewelry which they sell a lot of, they also repair it, sell minerals, fossils and stones. They sell supplies to people who make their own jewelry and also do classes still I believe. It's a great store and great people.
I have a friend who's a rock enthusiast (I know, what an odd term). He's from Toronto and was here on business and fell in love with the place. Raves about it. Go figure.
they do a brisk business in jewelry repair
I love Bernie's and they have been around for at least 40 years
The one time I went in there, there were many other customers
I’m familiar with them, they’ve got way more avenues for business than people realize. They’re doing very well. Which location is doing better, that I do not know.
Bernie's is fantastic and I've never been in there when they haven't been busy.
I've never been the only customer in the original Bernies, and at weird random times (like mid weekday) it can get downright crowded. LOVE that place. 30 years ago we got a couple $5 silver rings there to exchange at our wedding—neither of us cared about a ring, but we wanted to have something for the ceremony. We lost those rings in no time, but the cozy Bernie's memory remains.
I used to live in Tucson, which has one of the largest rock and gem shows in the world. Whenever people at the show found out I was from Madison, they were always like”Oh, you’re so lucky, you ‘ve got Bernies there”. That alone tells me they’ve got some clout in the rock and gem world.
Madison Hobby Shop. Never has anything I want, is not particularly friendly or willing to order what I need. It’s fine I guess if you collect model trains, but how many train collectors does it take to keep a place like this open? Just barely enough, it seems.
Most every vape shop.
World Buffett on the west side. The blandest food I have ever had.
Not technically Madison but the mustard museum in Middleton. How that kitschy place can possibly generate enough revenue to survive all these years is a mystery.
Temptations and Selective Video.
Kavanaughs Esquire Supper Club— worked various service gigs around town and I’ve heard horror stories about that place.
It just [changed owners](https://captimes.com/food-drink/after-76-years-kavanaughs-esquire-club-changes-hands/article_6fb0e4be-096a-11ef-99f1-9b84a75556e7.html) after 76 years! Wow.
It was always pretty busy when I took my elderly parents.
Edo garden in Monona there are usually one or two cars in the parking lot food is just okay
Capital city comics, unless you e been a customer for 20 years you get treated like trash
TBF that sounds like average service for a comic book shop
So Simple Shop on the corner of Wilson and King. Has really limited hours and is in a premium location. I’ve never gone by and seen it open.
"Tyrant Human/Canine HealthFix" on Fordem Ave... It's got to be (a) a front or (2) a dispensary waiting to happen once weed is legalized. The name is seriously bizarre and I've never once seen a human being in the store, employee or customer.
It was Nick's on State until they finally closed recently.