News Release from The SweetSpot – Aug. 31:
Both SweetSpot Locations will Maintain Regular Operations Under New Leadership

As of Monday, August 31st, The SweetSpot is under new ownership.
Jacob Gildemeister and Elena Schleusner purchased The SweetSpot Cafe and Bakehouse
from the previous owners Lacey Reichwald, Karen Moline, and Peggy Race.

“We are so thrilled about this opportunity,” said Lacey Reichwald. “We know that The
SweetSpot is in good hands and will continue to thrive as a community hub under new
ownership. We’re so grateful for the support of our community these past years and we hope
our fans will embrace the new owners with the same support.”

Jake and Elena have owned and operated the Whitewater Cinemas since 2018 and will
continue to operate that business. The new owners are both alumni of UW-Whitewater and
have a strong connection to the Whitewater community. They are eager to take over operations
of The SweetSpot and continue its legacy as a hub for community members, students, and
visitors.

There will be no interruption in business due to the sale. In fact, Lacey says, customers should
hardly notice a change at all. “Elena and I have been working together for a while now, to get
her up to speed. Plus, I’ll be around for further consulting as needed and my mom, Karen, will
still be working for The SweetSpot as a cake decorator.” The hours of operation will be
remaining the same as well.

Any previously placed bakery orders will be fulfilled without change. Karen was joined back in
early July by Ashley Valentine, a cake decorator and friend of the new owners. “It was exciting
and a big relief to learn that Jake and Elena had someone in mind for the bakery side of things.
Ashley has been great to work with. We wanted to make sure that our customers could continue
to get awesome cakes in the future and with Ashley, they will,” says Karen.

Lacey notes that the predicted smooth transition can also be attributed to seasoned Cafe
Manager, Jenna Karsten. Jenna has been with The SweetSpot for six years and has managed
the Downtown location for four. She will be continuing on in her role under the new ownership.
The rest of the 18 current staff members will also remain in their current positions.

“Jake and I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity,” says Elena Schleusner. “Whitewater
is our home, and we are committed to serving this community however we can. The SweetSpot
is known to be a ‘home away from home’ for many visitors, and we are honored to continue
providing that welcoming space for the community.”