Milk closes its doors

By Zander Kelly

A downtown Windsor business has closed its doors after 18 years.

Milk was a local coffee bar that regularly hosted local artists’ work and music groups.

Milk was taken over by Arsh Bhatia, 24, in January 2016.  Bhatia purchased Milk from founder and previous owner Angelo Marignani with the goal of expanding the business and increasing the variety of products available to customers.

“I personally thought it was a good opportunity … for students and to give them somewhere different,” said Bhatia. “Ultimately, I had plans to expand. I wanted to get new espresso machines and make it a place for specialty coffee,”

Bhatia wanted French press, vacuum press and other espresso-based brewing methods to help diversify the products available. However, there were problems involving the transition of ownership.

“After (Marignani) sold the place I stopped hearing from him. He made me some promises to be there and help me and he wasn’t,” said Bhatia.”

After the closure, Bhatia gave loyal customers an opportunity to come to Milk to take whatever bits of furniture and decor they wanted. The local bar Villains is now in possession of the iconic candle wax covered absinthe bottle that has been a notable decor piece at Milk for many years.

Over the years Milk has hosted many music groups such as solo artist Flower Face, rock group The Silence Factory and many more.

Natalie Culmone, lead singer of local jazz band The Coffee House Combo, said that she was not a big fan of Bhatia’s ownership.

“I liked (Marigani) better to be honest,” said Culmone. “I never really talked to (Bhatia) personally but I heard negative stories about him not being able to run Milk properly.”

Bhatia said he hopes the city will work with downtown landlords to support people who would lease businesses.

He does not plan to open a new business in Windsor.

“I’m gonna take some time off,” Said Bhatia. “I ultimately want a restaurant down the road, but not in Windsor.”