MADISON, Wis. — The pandemic claimed many small businesses, but one local coffee shop owner was able to emerge victorious.
Patrick Downey has owned The Victory coffee shop on Madison’s East side since 2011. The cafe had been seeing steady revenue until the pandemic hit, and almost took The Victory with it.
“It got really tough in the winter,” said Downey. “People were scared so that cut down a bit.”
So, Downey got creative. Literally.
He began selling large canvases he’d painted, some going for thousands of dollars. He’d been an artist for years, but only recently started selling his work. He says it’s made all the difference in keeping his shop open,
“In the past few months I’ve made a lot more money selling art than I have selling coffee,” said Downey.
One of his pieces is about to travel to New York, the original home of The Victory, where it will be displayed in a show room in Manhattan.
Downey is continuing to sell his work locally as well, mainly through his instagram, @trickdown. As for The Victory? Business seems to have restored itself, and Downey looks forward to events such as art galleries and live music in the shop. You can find out more at the shop’s website.
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