BARS & RECREATION REVEALS ACTIVITIES AND PARTNERS FOR THE NEW FASHIONED, MILWAUKEE’S NEWEST FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE IN DEER DISTRICT
MILWAUKEE (Jan. 30, 2024) – Bars & Recreation, Southeastern Wisconsin’s premier provider for immersive experiences, social events and team building activities, revealed the amenities, activities, and partners for its newest venue, The New Fashioned, in Milwaukee’s Deer District. The 25,000-square-foot space, previously occupied by Punch Bowl Social, will feature local traditions recombobulated in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
In a joint press conference with Deer District, Marla Poytinger, CEO of Bars & Recreation, named Milwaukee’s own Benson’s Restaurant Group as the exclusive restaurant and catering partner for the space. Benson’s restaurants include AJ Bombers; Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria; The Bridgewater Modern Grill; Smoke Shack; Onesto; and The Edison.
Corporate Executive Chef Alex Sazama of Benson’s is crafting a menu of authentic Milwaukee food options including butter burgers, hot ham & cheese, mac & cheese curds, fish fry, classic desserts and more. The catering menu for private events will feature elevated offerings including passed appetizers, carving and action stations, a Wisconsin cheese curd buffet, and cream puffs.
“Benson’s Restaurant Group is honored to be chosen by Marla and her team at Bars & Recreation as the kitchen partner for their newest endeavor,” said David Marcus, Managing Director and CEO of Marcus Investments and Benson’s Restaurant Group. “We have a long history of creating exceptional food experiences in the heart of thriving Milwaukee communities and we’re thrilled to bring our love of the city to life through food at The New Fashioned.”
The New Fashioned will feature the city’s largest Self-Serve Pour Wall, allowing guests to enjoy 50 taps of local beers and cocktails, along with craft sodas and root beer from Sprecher Brewery. Other amenities will include a quick service “tailgate lounge,” a frozen custard stand, and Old Fashioned flights made and muddled tableside.
Activities at the venue will include Social Bowling, perfect for a casual friends get together; outdoor All-Season Street Curling on the patio and second floor deck; Dartball, a mix between darts and baseball with roots in Milwaukee legion halls and church basements; and Wisconsin Souvenir Milk Cap Pull Tabs for traditional Wisconsin bar entertainment.
A retail experience, curated by boutique owner Steph Davies of The Waxwing, will feature high-end Milwaukee-centric goods from local makers including Chloe Lee Longmire of Chase My Creations; Kevin Goudzwaard of Milwaukee Candle Company; Jenny Aicher of Fern & Nettle; Adam and Lisa Gilson of Giltee Apparel; Sarah Heck and Anna Warren of Tactile Craftworks and more.
Guests of The New Fashioned will have access to free parking at the Highland Parking Structure for up to 3 hours (some restrictions will apply). City skyline photography by Nate Vomhof will be featured throughout the facility’s décor. Other important project partners include Drink Wisconsinbly, Valentine Coffee Roasters, Toast Point of Sale Software, iPourit Self Pour Beverage Systems, Bauer Sign & Lighting, Old National Bank, and the Milwaukee Bucks.
“We are bringing together the absolute brightest and best that Milwaukee has to offer,” said Poytinger. “Locals and tourists alike will be drawn to The New Fashioned for its authentic food, local brews, time-tested activities, hand-crafted souvenirs and humble ‘Midwest nice’ service.”
The New Fashioned will celebrate its Grand Opening weekend Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7, 2024. Additional details about activity reservations and private event offerings will be released in future communications via the Bars & Rec email newsletter and social media platforms.
Find more information at www.newfashionedmke.com, www.bensonsrestaurantgroup.com and www.deerdistrict.com.
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