Smoke Free Eatery

Save

Reporter: Evrod Cassimy
Email Address: ECassimy@nbc15.com

22 comments

A | A | A

Posted Wednesday --- December 19, 2007

It's a habit that some people try and kick for the new year. And now a local business is butting in.

"If people want to quit smoking, I welcome it here," says Koffee Kup owner, Ken Gulseth. "We're going completely non-smoking."

As of January 1st the Koffee Kup in Stoughton plans to be 100 percent smoke free.

"Through the years of being here it got to always be a concern. We wish you had a non-smoking section or a place that smokers can't be."

But they're not the first restaurant that's tried to solve the problem. Sugar and Spice Eatery, the Koffee Kup's direct competitors, has thought about making the same decision but still has some reservations.

"At this point we do have a fair amount of smokers that come here so I don't want to offend anybody," says Sugar and Spice owner, Carrie Knipfer.

Being one of the first restaurants in the area to go completely smoke-free. The Koffee Kup's major concern is how their decision will affect business and will their customers come back.

"Their decision to go smoke free on January 1st is for the better of the community," says one customer. "I just won't smoke at all."

Gulseth has received mixed reviews after posting the notice around the diner. But he's confident he's making the right decision. And after doing his part to help people stick to their New Year's resolution, he now has time to think about his.

"Myself? I probably should have one about eating food and losing some weight."

Post Your Own COMMENTS Below

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Stoughton on Dec 31, 2007 at 04:39 PM
I really enjoy the food at the K.Cup and more so the atmosphere. I truely believe that the wonderful people that enjoy the K Cup in the past will continue to enjoy and support the decission of the owners.

Posted by: Brandon Location: Stoughton on Dec 24, 2007 at 10:23 PM
The Koffee Kup has the best Food on Stoughton and the people that work there are so friendly. I know everyone that I hang with will still go there even if they smoke, they said they will have one before they get there and one they leave. I don't smoke and I hang with people that do but they don't smoke when I'm with them, because they respect me. The Sugar and Spit owner needs to look at her self and think about not smoking her self she's looking... I wouldn't want to offend her.The Koffee Kup is The Best!

Posted by: joe Location: madison on Dec 24, 2007 at 11:38 AM
congats to the owner of koffee cup for making their own policy. i hope this works well for you. i hope all these people that say we will now come and spend money with you not only one time but on a regular basis ,because of the the non-smoking policy stand behind their word,do so. i see too many resturants and bars in madison still waiting [if their still open] for the droves of non smokers that promised if it were non-smoking i would go there. i would challenge these people to not only talk the talk but walk the walk and stand behind your word if your word is good.

Posted by: YAY! Location: Stoughton on Dec 20, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I am so glad Koffee Kup decided to go smoke free, our family (with a young son)love their food but hesitate to choose their eatery due to the smokers. I just think there is a time and a place for everything and smoking while people are trying to eat just isn't the place. I applaud you, now we can come there and feel that we're taking our son to a safe place to eat.

Posted by: Karen Location: Stoughton on Dec 20, 2007 at 03:12 PM
El Rio Grande in Stoughton has been smoke free since opening and has AMAZING american breakfasts on the weekends until 1:00!!!I think all restaurants should be non-smoking

Posted by: Joan Location: Stoughton on Dec 20, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Personally, I think it will make a difference.The people that eat there seem to be of that type who relly enjoys a cig after or during their meal.And the food is nothing special anyway..We have so much better breakfast places in town if you look..

Posted by: Resident Location: Columbia County on Dec 20, 2007 at 02:55 PM
Jackie - Congrats on quitting. You asked "who wants to pay what you have to pay now for cigarettes, have terribly bad breath all the time, always wear stinky clothes and end up dying of heart disease, emphysema or cancer? Doesn't sound like too much fun to me." Jackie, NO ONE wants this, and it is NOT FUN for me as a smoker - you were lucky - genetics posible reason - but this is an ADDICTION that some people are able to break, and some people cant. I am one that cant. Yes, I have kids, and now I have grand kids. And I hate smoking. I wrote to congratulate the business owner on making a positive move for HIS business. This doesnt mean that it is the thing that MUST be done for all businesses. Bravo again on INDIVIDUAL CHOICE for BUSINESS OWNERS

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 20, 2007 at 02:28 PM
For D stop smoking!

Posted by: Karen Location: Madison on Dec 20, 2007 at 02:04 PM
To Columbia County - Yes, you do have the right to smoke, but your smoking infringes on the right of others to breathe clean air. I applaud your decision to not have children, because your smoking would most certainly jeopardize their health.

Posted by: Jackie Location: Whitewater on Dec 20, 2007 at 01:42 PM
Kuddos!! I personally think all places should be smoke free. As a past smoker who has thankfully quit, I feel for the ones who still have the terrible addiction. It's so hard to quit but knowing that it was a matter of life or death was my final answer. I want to live! I came to the point where it just didn't make sense to knowingly shorten up my life and slowly kill myself with those cancer sticks. Who wants to pay what you have to pay now for cigarettes, have terribly bad breath all the time, always wear stinky clothes and end up dying of heart disease, emphysema or cancer? Doesn't sound like too much fun to me. I'll be sure to stop by for a cup! Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Susan Location: Stoughton on Dec 20, 2007 at 01:28 PM
I love the food from Koffee Kup but the smoking turns me off from eating inside. This is a great idea! Thanks, Kenny!

Posted by: Resident Location: Columbia County on Dec 20, 2007 at 10:35 AM
AS A SMOKER- let me say BRAVO! Here a private business owner made the choice on smoking within their own business without government intervention. Here is a perfect example of why dont need government forcing business owners to ban smoking. Some businesses will be non smoking, others will be smoking. If you dont want to work at a smoking business, work at one that is non smoking. Wisconsin Business owners, employees and customers are smart enough to handle this without big government forcing them. Thank you Mr. Gulseth.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Dec 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Boooooooooooooooooooo. It's bad enough we can't smoke anywhere in madison, now this. Pretty soon we won't have any rights at all, free country, ha! Yeah right, more like a dictatorship with no dictator. Every day we are taking away more rights of people, I can't stand what our society has become. A bunch of bleading hearts who don't spank there kids because it's not nice. I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but we our destroying mankind more and more every day. That's why I will never have kids, they can't have the fun we've had because you can't do anything anymore. Bah humbug!

Posted by: Karen Location: Madison on Dec 20, 2007 at 09:16 AM
I say good for you! There is nothing healthy about smoking. Non-smokers have suffered for years from second-hand smoke and its time more businesses follow your lead. I will definitely patronize your business.

Posted by: Jenny on Dec 20, 2007 at 08:53 AM
I think this is a great step and will now make it a point to go to your restaurant. Thank you and good luck in the New Year!

Posted by: Nancy Location: Madison on Dec 20, 2007 at 07:05 AM
Thank you for making the Koffee Kup smoke free!!!

Posted by: Good! Location: Madison on Dec 19, 2007 at 11:06 PM
It's nice to see that some people care enough to protect those of us who despise cigarette smoke! I simply can't stand eating at a restaurant and choking down second hand smoke, it is revolting. I fully support any restaurant going smoke free! Thank you!

Posted by: beth Location: madison on Dec 19, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Thank you Koffee Kup! I love shopping in Stoughton and finally I can now take a break and enjoy some great food in fresh air! - Future customer

Posted by: Adam Location: Stoughton on Dec 19, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Thank you Ken! Finally a place locally to eat without killing myself while doing it. I support you 100% and plan to eat their once a week to support you. As to the Sugar and Spice owner who says "I don't want to offend anybody" I bet you offend more people by allowing smoking. Lung Cancer kills more people than all cancers combined and more than HIV secound hand smoke is one of the leading causes. Ken I wish you much success and I hope your business increases because you do have great food. Thanks again! And thank you Evrod and Channel 15 for letting the community know about this big decision for the healh of Stoughton.

Posted by: momof3 Location: stoughton on Dec 19, 2007 at 09:18 PM
I will definitely be going to the Koffee Kup now! My family has avoided it because of the smoke filled atmosphere. This is a wonderful thing! What a happy new year it will be!

Posted by: Jo Location: Stoughton on Dec 19, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Wonderful! I have refrained from eating here from time-to-time due to the smoke. The food is fantastic and will taste even better without the smoke. I am looking forward to January 1! Thank you for taking a stand!

	Weather Authority Watch your local weather 24/7.

	News Links Looking for something you saw on NBC 15? Find it here.

	Double Dollar Deals Experience our area's best restaurants at a Half-Off price.

	Golf Double Dollar Deals Experience our area's best golf courses at a Half-Off price.

	Family Double Dollar Deals Experience our area's best businesses at a Half-Off price.

	What's On? Click here to see our program guide.

	Perfect Home Find out how to make your perfect home.

	The Health Professional Find answers to your health questions.

	Bike MS Join us as we ride the open road to fight MS