Small Town Cafe, Big Impact: Portage Cafe’s Green…

Energy Efficiency Partners

Nestled in downtown Portage, Wisconsin, Portage Cafe embodies the essence of a small-town establishment where you feel at home, connect with the community, and enjoy quality food.

Portage Cafe partnered with Focus on Energy to assess and improve the efficiency of this long-standing business.

Cafe owner Tammy Medina worked closely with Focus on Energy during the assessment to identify pain points and determine which upgrades would make the biggest impact.
The lighting and HVAC were deemed the highest priority, as they encompassed the largest portion of Portage Cafe’s energy bill.
After going through the each of the kitchen appliances, it was discovered the dishwasher and refrigerator would make the greatest impact on the energy efficiency and quality of service.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

LIGHTING HVAC KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Pictured here, the lighting upgrades improved the aesthetics of the cafe by providing consistent lighting in the dining area and increasing brightness in the kitchen.

As a result, Portage Cafe has enhanced their welcoming atmosphere while becoming more energy efficient. The upgrades to lighting, HVAC, and kitchen appliances enhance customer comfort and make work better for employees, all while reducing costs and providing an energy savings of approximately $1,500 per year.

"We’re thrilled with the recent upgrades! They help us serve our customers better and make our cafe more eco-friendly. It’s an honor to continue the legacy of Portage Cafe, making it more energy efficient and sustainable while preserving its cherished tradition."

Tammy Medina, Owner

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