Tucked into 5th Street in the Walkers Point neighborhood is a cozy cafe whose offerings will transport you to a new dimension. Not actually… unless you’re into that.
Canni Cafe (pronounced cann-eye) is a bar and cafe that challenges the booze-heavy culture notorious in Milwaukee. How are they doing that if they consider themselves a bar and also offer alcoholic options? Through plant-based alternatives that provide their patrons with another choice for enhancing social experiences.
Cannabis botanical extracts, functional mushroom blends for enhanced focus and productivity, plant elixirs, and kava, an alcohol alternative, are all on the menu and great options for those looking to try something new.
How their drinks work is really neat, too. You can choose your drink base and then add alcohol or the botanical enhancements to it (or nothing at all!). We highly recommend their Cookie Lane Latte – one of our favorite seasonal lattes we’ve found in MKE.
The vibe of the place, their friendly, knowledgeable team members, the small storefront and garden lanai in the back, and the drinks, of course, make this bar and cafe a true Milwaukee hidden gem.
At Canni Cafe, instead of liquid courage, they’re more focused on botanical bravery. We talked with Colin, the owner of Canni, to learn more about their offerings, what you can expect when visiting, and the legal challenges they face amid changing federal regulations.
How did Canni Cafe get its start? What is your background?
Canni originally started as MKE’s First hemp boutique and retailer, and it was an attempt by us to get ahead of the curve and establish a brand that could evolve into other forms of cannabis legalization.
After several years of operating the retail model, we realized we wanted to be able to control the experience a bit more. Really focusing on responsible and effective dosing that could offer the community a way to feel social but not have to consume alcohol, and so out of that came Canni infusion bar and cafe.
We wanted to give MKE and its visitors a unique experience where they could, with our education and direction, determine what they wanted to consume.
As for my background, professionally, I come from the world of financial technology and finance, and have been a performing musician in MKE for the last 20 years. So creating a space where other creatives could come and share their talents and feel a part of a community was a big motivator for Canni’s current form.
How long have you been in business? Have you faced any major challenges with growing your business or any triumph stories?
Almost 8 years , and yes many many challenges. We are a cannabis business, and as one, we are subject to a very restrictive set of rules and available options for basic services a business needs: banking, payment processing, and insurance, to name a few.
In addition, the industry is always changing, and new challenges are being presented. As I write this, we are facing a complete federal ban of the products we specialize in at the hands of the government. So it is not for the faint of heart, or someone that isn’t passionate about the industry. It also requires a savvy business-oriented set of skills to navigate through the ever-changing landscape that thankfully our team possesses.
What is Canni Cafe, and why did you feel it would be a good fit in Milwaukee?
Well, many of us are born and raised here, but beyond that, we felt Milwaukee just needed more creative variety. While we do hold a class B Liquor license, it isn’t why people come to us from out of town, or across town to experience. They could go to any bar for that. We offer a very unique menu that is seasonally changing and an environment that is comfy and enjoyable to either work or socialize in. We’re proud of that for sure.
What’s the mission behind Canni Cafe?
To be a community space first, but as a company that offers multiple lines of business, from retail, e-commerce, and event booking and hosting. We just want to broaden people’s interpretation of what leisure and social experiences can be.
They don’t all have to include alcohol, as our culture here in MKE tends to lean on quite a bit. There are alternative, plant-based ways to have a good time, de-stress, and or focus more if that’s the goal. We just enjoy the education part of it a lot, which usually leads to lifelong customers because trust is earned and not bought.
What is it like being a small business in MKE?
It’s fun, but running a business is very challenging. We are woman and LGBTQ-operated and in that, I feel we have been able to really provide for a community in a nurturing and compassionate way, which means a lot to me and I think many others as well.
What do you like about being in Milwaukee?
As someone who has traveled extensively. Milwaukee just has a certain charm about it that is very hard to find elsewhere. Big little town, with a lot to offer in terms of art, culture, and diversity. It’s unlike anywhere else for me.
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing?
Seeing people enjoy their experiences with us. Our products, in our space or at an event. I could be having the worst day ever, and just observing that can always change it and turn me around.
What can people expect when going to Canni Cafe?
A relaxed and inclusive space with some of the most delicious coffee and cocktails in the city. A retail store that guides you through your purchasing experience with personalized consults and an outdoor patio that is one of MKE’s best-kept secrets.
Are there any misconceptions about what you’re doing that you’d like to clarify?
I would ad that while we have always positioned ourselves to be able to be agile and pivot with market conditions, the industry that we pioneered here in MKE is very much at risk with the federal government’s recent inclusion of a ban on our products in the spending bill.
This could be the last year to acquire cannabis products like we sell them if the language doesn’t change.
So, we want customers and members of the community to know, it’s important to watch the changes as they progress. We will keep folks informed as well, but call your state senators if access to safe products like we sell is important to you.
I would say we are the only cannabis business in the state and possibly the country with a liquor license. Why that’s important is really only because not everyone participates. Maybe for professional reasons or whatever, so we like the idea, that as a bar cafe, we truly have something for everyone. Also, if these changes do come to fruition, Canni will be able to withstand the headwinds and pivot as needed.
Anything else we should know about your business or anything you’d like to mention? Any favorite stories?
Maybe just a clarification on how our name is pronounced, as we often hear it pronounced the wrong way, but its Cann-I, like ‘Can I order this drink with cannabis in it’, or ‘Can I feel something from consuming this product’.