5 minute read
Jonathan’s embraces outdoor dining
Arcadian Treasures offers a variety of repurposed antique and vintage items on the display floor of its shop in downtown Burlington. AT RIGHT: Jeremy Zurek applies a coat of paint to a wooden project at Arcadian Treasures, 256 E. Chestnut Street, Burlington.
JASON ARNDT Spirit of Geneva Lakes
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NEW LIFE FOR OLD
Treasures
TRIO RESTORES, SELLS VINTAGE ITEMS IN NEW SHOP
by Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER
Inside a property in downtown Burlington, customers can find a trove of treasures – Arcadian Treasures.
Arcadian Treasures, 256 E. Chestnut Street, is operated by three business partners who decided to open shop this spring.
Jeremy Zurek, one of three co-owners, said Arcadian Treasures has a goal of restoring vintage and unique items to reclaim their identity and bring them back to life.
“We take pieces that need love, and we give them the love they need so they stay out of the landfill,” he said. “We are big on upcycling.”
Zurek joined the partnership with Derek Becker and Linnea Kurowski as a hobby.
The hobby includes creating custom wood pieces and crafting lithopanes using old photos from customers.
“I have always been a metal worker, not by trade, but by hobby, and so it appealed to me,” he said. “It is something that I love to do.”
Zurek reports the establishment started with barn sales at Kurowski’s home before the trio decided to open a brick and mortar store in the downtown area.
Becker said Arcadian Treasures initially planned for a spring opening before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the area and caused a delay.
“We wanted to open in April, but that didn’t happen because of the virus and everything,” said Becker, adding Arcadian Treasurers has been in business for about three months.
But the business has been able to move forward in spite of the pandemic.
Becker credits the supportive community, customers of Arcadian Treasures, as well as nearby businesses for the continuous flow of traffic.
“This community has welcomed us like we have always been here,” he said. “We are doing surprisingly well for what is happening. People are coming in and they are friendly and they are buying stuff that they enjoy.”
Arcadian Treasures typically finds inventory through estate sales, auctions, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and from friends, Becker said. Barn boom
Becker said he and Kurowski wanted to open a retail outlet after seeing success during barn sales.
The partnership, he said, grew after Becker and Kurowski met Zurek along the way.
“We just kind of met and it took off from there. I participated in Linnea’s barn sales and Jeremy was invited to participate,” Becker said.
Ideal trio
Arcadian Treasures’ three partners each have their own specialty, according to Becker, who said Kurowski possesses strong attention to detail.
That includes staging items at the store along with traditional refurbishing.
“She really has the eye for staging,” he said.
Arcadian Treasurers, which is open four days per week, has a different partner operating the business on different days.
“All three of us have full-time jobs, this is our side business,” Becker said. “We take turns running the store, it is a friendship and a partnership.”
The three partners, according to Becker, also share a passion for reviving old pieces and often come together for projects.
The collaboration only intensifies this desire, Becker added.
“We have a passion and we have fun doing it,” he said. “We get together when we can to work on projects together.”
Arcadian Treasures is open 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Airing it out
by Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER
Outdoor dining boosts the allure of Jonathan’s
Jonathan’s on Brick Street in downtown Delavan has been offering outdoor seating for much of the summer in addition to its large, indoor dining room.
In an effort to accommodate customers’ preferences for seating and meet social distancing guidelines, reservations are currently required.
Upon making a reservation, guests will be asked if they prefer to sit in the dining room, at a high top table, at the bar or outdoors (weather permitting.) Larger groups will be seated at separate tables and the restaurant has implemented a suggested 90-minute dining time.
“If you feel you will need more time, please inform us when making your reservation to see if we can accommodate you,” a post about the reservation requirement states.
Staff recommends making reservations well ahead of time and calling earlier in the day – they have someone answering the phone around 11 a.m. –rather than waiting until the busy dinner hour begins at 4:30 p.m.
According to Lana Walton, who is on staff at Jonathan’s, the addition of outdoor seating has been well received by customers.
“The outdoor seating area has been incredibly popular with all of our customers. They enjoy the fresh air and views of the park and sunsets as they dine,” she said.
In addition to tables for eating, Jonathan’s also has a special outdoor waiting area, Walton explained.
“A wonderful place to wait for a table is our padded chairs, which are extremely popular as well,” she said. “They’re comfortable and several rock as well.”
She said the crew at Jonathan’s is pleased with how customers and the community have embraced the outdoor space.
“We are extremely happy with the community’s response to our new outdoor dining and cocktail space,” Walton said.
“We look forward to seeing how the space changes as we move into the fall as well,” she added.
Chef Jonathan Cross and his wife Tiffany own Jonathan’s on Brick Street. Though the official name of the street it’s on is Walworth Avenue, it has been referred to as Brick Street since the mid 1800s. The
This group enjoys drinks at one of the outdoor tables at Jonathan’s on Brick Street in Delavan. They are (from left) Heidi Schulz, Caroline Ceisel, Nick Ceisel, Eleanor Ceisel and Katelyn Rosenow.
