CALLING ALL CAR ENTHUSIASTS: Want to Hang Out at Menomonie Cars & Caffeine?
local group hosts casual weekly get-together for car enthusiasts and curious folks alike
McKenna Scherer, photos by Casey Utke |
There are some spaces that are intimidating to try and break into (or even casually hang out in the background of) like die-hard fans of certain bands and musicians, or those regulars that know every bartender at a town’s longtime watering hole. Then there’s the car scene.
While not unique to the Chippewa Valley or the midwest, car shows are simultaneously attractive to curious passersby and serious gearheads or car enthusiasts. (I feel like I can make this statement, as someone who has been dating a car enthusiast for years. He hangs out in our garage a lot.) There’s at least one group in the area trying to break down that invisible wall: the Menomonie Cars & Caffeine group.
When meetups first began in 2021, the regular hangouts were held at the Shoppes Off Broadway parking lot on Saturday mornings in Menomonie. The gatherings were designed as casual get-togethers, Scott Johnson said. Speaking on behalf of the group, Scott said the group has stuck to that original intention over the years.
Today, Menomonie Cars & Caffeine meets on Thursday evenings at the Taco John’s lot (1526 N Broadway St., Menomonie) from about 5:30-8:30pm. While the initial early morning get-togethers drummed up participants, the move to evenings has created more traction.
There are a lot of great cars in the community and surrounding area, and we'd like to think we offer a lowkey space for people to show off their cars, share their enthusiasm and knowledge, and most of all, have fun!
SCOTT JOHNSON
MENOMONIE CARS & CAFFEINE
“(It’s meant to be) someplace you could bring your classic car, hot rod, or muscle car and go hang out for a couple hours and meet other like-minded individuals and talk cars,” Scott said. “No drama, no judging, just people who liked cars and anything automotive.”
Car shows are definitely cool and draw folks from near and far, but often are a multi-hour or day-long commitment. Menomonie Cars & Caffeine is meant to be more casual and accessible, while still offering a spot to park your project-on-wheels or cherished vintage automobile.
“Our intention has been to build an inclusive community where all feel welcome,” Scott said. “Whether you have a trailer queen, a driver, or a project car that you are still working on – or maybe you’re just a spectator interested in cars – our goal has been to build camaraderie and create a fun space.
"There are a lot of great cars in the community and surrounding area, and we'd like to think we offer a lowkey space for people to show off their cars, share their enthusiasm and knowledge, and most of all, have fun!"
Menomonie Cars & Caffeine host Thursday evening hangouts at the Menomonie Taco John's (1526 N Broadway St.) from 5:30-8:30pm each week. Free to attend, feel free to park your automobile or just swing by – all are welcome. Keep up with the group and see their schedule on Facebook.
