.gif)
COLUMBUS — The much-anticipated dark green building at 1136 Milam St., which formerly housed Berger Grocery, is now Little Milam, Coffee, Wine & Eatery.
Tom and Lollie Raetzsch purchased the building back in 2017 with dreams of opening a coffee shop on The Courthouse Square. Serial entrepreneurs and constantly supporting Columbus retail, the Raetzsch’s met Sarah Koller, formerly of The House, Coffee & Wine, and they decided to partner up.
“We had a vision for our Little Milam shop and have been working (albeit rather slowly) to return it to its original charm, with an emphasis on keeping its history intact,” said Tom and Lollie. “We were so lucky to meet Sarah, who shares our vision and has brought so many great ideas, along with her incredible enthusiasm and love for people. And she makes really great coffee, too! We want everyone to feel welcome and to come hang out with us for a while. “
More than a coffee shop, Little Milam is a ‘third place.’ Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, a third place is where you can be yourself, where there is no financial barrier to entry and the primary activity is socializing, according to a release. Little Milam said it is a place where people can find similarities while appreciating and respecting each other’s differences.
“I’ve made mistakes, very public ones,” said Sarah. “I am so thankful to have met Tom and Lollie. They’ve given me the opportunity to help them build Little Milam, everything from construction to developing the mission and vision. Everyone is invited to see what we’ve created.”
Little Milam, Coffee, Wine, & Eatery, is located in downtown Columbus. The public is invited to stop by. They are open Tuesday - Friday at 7 a.m., and Saturday at 8 a. m.
Follow Little Milam on social media @ColumbusPorchSitting.
