The former home of Company Brewing—empty since May 2024—may soon see new life.
An ownership group has filed applications with the city to open Diaspora Sports Bar and Lounge in the space, 735 E. Center St. Six partners are listed in the applications: Michael Johnson, Philyus Pullium, Brian Bradford, Marvin Bailey, Michael Shaw, and Roberthenry Davis.
A proposed opening date is listed as December 1, 2024—which we assume is supposed to be December 1, 2025.
Alcohol and food each account for 35% of projected sales. Entertainment comes it at 20%, and tobacco and vaping products come in at 10%. The license applications note that “cigars will be stored in a humidor located on the 1st floor.” Items checked in the Entertainment section of the applications include bands, comedy acts, DJs, karaoke, pool tables, and “amusement machines.”
Proposed hours are 6 a.m. – 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 6 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The all-ages business would be 21+ after 10 p.m.
We’ve reached out to the owners for more information. All license applications are subject to approval from the Milwaukee Common Council.
In March 2025, chef Vanessa Rose explored opening an LGBTQ+ “third space” in the former Company Brewing. She instead opened Mother’s in the former SAGE/White House in Bay View.
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