Today, VIA Downer Pizzeria, 2625 N. Downer Ave., announced it is closing its East Side restaurant on Monday, June 30. 

According to a press release, the three current partners in VIA Downer and Transfer Pizzeria Cafe are reorganizing – one is leaving to pursue interests out of state, while the remaining two will stay on as the owner / operators of the original restaurant, Transfer, 101 W. Mitchell St. 

The BelAir group will take over the space and will quickly transition it into a third BelAir Cantina location.

"We had a great run and love the community," said John Rossetto, partner in VIA & Transfer. "For us, this move is good business and striking a quick deal with BelAir, who plans to offer opportunities to all of our current staff at VIA, was very important to us."

BelAir – which currently has two locations - 1935 N. Water St. and 6817 W. North Ave. in Wawautosa – will begin the transition immediately upon VIA’s closing. 

"We were happy that they thought of us for the opportunity. We are really excited to join the Downer neighborhood, it’s one of Milwaukee’s great streets," says Leslie Montemurro, partner at BelAir. "We hope to reopen as soon as the interior modification and design process is finished. We have already begun meeting with VIA staff and are looking forward to working with the great team that is already in place."