There's no deal for a new restaurant at Turner Hall, but things do seem to be moving quickly.
Gary Witt, executive director of The Pabst Theater / Turner Hall Ballroom / Riverside Theater told me via e-mail, "There is no signed deal in place. We are progressing nicely in adding a great new restaurant partner into Turner Hall. The restaurant will greatly assist in bringing together all Turner Hall entities in response to the new life that the building received after the Ballroom performances were so eagerly embraced."
Personally, I feel the next restaurant should better connect with the events at Turner Hall, especially the ballroom. Easier access, more casual, great design and a fun, funky feel are all on my wish list.
A few have mentioned that Scott Johnson and Leslie Montemurro may be interested, but both told me that while they looked at it a number of times this year they are "focused on Bel Air, the taqueria that we're putting into the old Good Life space." Bel Air should be a great addition to the Milwaukee scene, by the way.
No matter who lands at this Downtown space, I'm going to miss Historic Turner Restaurant. The place was a Milwaukee icon and housed inside an even bigger icon, Turner Hall.
Reality, though, is that Turner Hall is evolving and its ballroom is once again some to some the city's best concerts and events. Of course, the historic building is also still home for an amazing variety of gymnastics, rock climbing, fencing and the important civic discussions of the Fourth Street Forum.
So, let's hope the next restaurant is a great fit for Historic Turner Hall's future.
When we know who it is, we'll be sure to let you know.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
