Sode's Perk Central opens for business
Beth and Matt Sadewasser of Guttenberg responded to community needs and expanded their business by opening up a coffee shop, Sode’s Perk Central. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)
By Caroline Rosacker
Twice in 2021, the City of Guttenberg's Community Vitality team invited community members to provide input on what community projects they would like to see implemented in Guttenberg. More than 400 people responded to the survey that indicated a strong need for a local coffee shop.
Beth and Matt Sadewasser of Guttenberg responded to the request and have decided to expand their current business, Sode's Green Acre Country Market and Liquor Store, to include Sode's Perk Central.
Coffee shop
"Sode's Perk Central Coffee house and cafe will offer a warm and welcoming dining area with a great view of the Mississippi River," says Beth. "We will be open 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. In addition to our delicious home cooking we will also add an extensive coffee menu."
The new coffee house and cafe will offer a locally roasted blend. "We will feature Big Muddy Coffee by local roaster Barb Arthur," they noted. "Fresh baked goods, and our own homemade ice cream, smoothies, malts and slushies will all be available. In addition, we will be able to serve you an alcoholic beverage while you dine. Perk Central is an addition to Sode's Green Acre Country Market and Liquor Store. Both businesses will use the same entrance and customers will continue to have the opportunity to dine in and also shop."
Business partners
Beth is a Nurse Practitioner at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, and Matt drives truck for North Cedar. The energetic entrepreneurs will be married 40 years in July. They have six children and 17 grandchildren.
"We have been together for a long time and have always worked together as a team," says Beth. "We know each other well, and we each bring something different to whatever it is we are working on."
The hard-working couple attributes their business success to a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. "We always look for the positive side of the situation. We laugh and joke around a lot!" she exclaimed.
Inspiration for location
A lack of direct exposure to River Park Drive contributed to the couple's decision to expand their already existing business. "We wanted to increase our exposure, and having a business front on River Park Drive was the logical solution. Purchasing 3 Goethe was a perfect fit for us," she explained.
If you build it they will come. "The community inspired us to open a coffee shop. It was clear, after the last community survey that Guttenberg needed and wanted a coffee shop," noted Beth.
Business district expansion
Beth and Matt are happy to be part of the explosion of new businesses in Guttenberg's historical downtown district, which include Sode's Perk Central, RiverFront Boutique and Apparel, Downtown Nutrition, Mr. Roger's View airbnb and Xplore Guttenberg (outdoor store/rentals), Hometown Designs, Divine Current Wellness, Generation Salon, and The Guttenberg Brewery Company set to open this spring. "We are beyond thrilled about the new businesses in the downtown area," they commented. "We encourage anyone who is thinking about starting a business to do your homework, be prepared to work hard and DO IT! The more businesses we have in the downtown area the more successful we all will be."
The Sadewassers concluded with some motivational advice to anyone interested in becoming a business owner. They encouraged, "Believe in yourself and in your dream. Be courageous, be willing to do whatever it takes and pray."
