Sunday afternoon, longtime Milwaukee eatery Swig announced that it will close on Sunday, October 14. The Third Ward restaurant will pack things up (after 15 years!) following brunch on that day. Here’s a full press release:
After 15 successful years as Milwaukee’s first small plate restaurant, Swig (217 N. Broadway, Milwaukee) will close its doors following brunch service on Sunday, October 14.
“Our lease option was up at the end of this year. We intended to reimagine the space, as we did with the former Water Buffalo space, when we transformed it into Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria,” says John Walch, President of Hospitality Democracy. “Unfortunately, both parties were unable to come to a lease agreement that would allow Hospitality Democracy the ability to invest in a new concept in this existing space.”
Walch continues, “We have truly enjoyed the experience and camaraderie at Swig over the past 15 years, and we are sad to see it go. In addition to our current Third Ward dining options – Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria, Onesto, and Smoke Shack – we look forward to working on other exciting options in the Third Ward and greater Milwaukee as a whole.”
Already in the works for a November launch, sister restaurant Onesto is developing a brunch experience that is unparalleled in Milwaukee. In addition, Hospitality Democracy is expanding its catering and event options to meet its guests’ needs both in and outside of the restaurant spaces.
Hospitality Democracy, a division of Marcus Investments, is dedicated to the values of “eat. share. enjoy.” Hospitality Democracy currently operates and manages five different restaurant concepts: AJ Bombers, Holey Moley Doughnuts, Onesto, Smoke Shack, and Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria. All of the restaurants are located in the city of Milwaukee while AJ Bombers, Smoke Shack, and Holey Moley Doughnuts also have locations in Wauwatosa. In addition, Smoke Shack and AJ Bombers are also licensed to the Milwaukee Brewers and operate in Miller Park.