As Milwaukee—and the rest of the country—deals with the worsening COVID-19 crisis, bars and restaurants are struggling to stay afloat amid the unthinkable changes they’ve experienced in the last four months. Some places have closed permanently. Others are barely hanging on. And, now, two long-running and renowned Milwaukee dining staples are going to close their doors “for the foreseeable future.”

Today, MOJOFUCO co-owner Leslie Montemurro informed Milwaukee Record the restaurant group’s two oldest establishments, Comet Cafe and Fuel Cafe on Center Street, will be closing, at least until economic conditions improve enough to allow them to re-open in some capacity.

“This decision was difficult, but necessary, as both restaurants have struggled to remain financially viable during the COVID-19 health crisis,” Montemurro says. “We are grateful to our customers for their loyalty and support over the years and for our staff who has always worked hard to make these restaurants a welcome gathering place in our communities.”

Comet Cafe, which opened in 1995, has actually been closed since July 5. After re-opening in a carryout capacity on May 27, Fuel Cafe Center Street—which opened in 1993—will cease service after July 12. Montemurro says employees have been notified of the closures and that she hopes to be able to resume operating at both locations at some time in the future, if and when it is appropriate to do so.

Until then, wear a mask, be safe, and keep your fingers crossed that these Milwaukee eating institutions are able to return at some point.

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About The Author

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Co-Founder and Editor

Before co-founding Milwaukee Record, Tyler Maas wrote for virtually every Milwaukee publication (except Wassup! Magazine). He lives in Bay View and enjoys both stuff and things.