Impact of Flooding on Milwaukee Businesses
Torrential rain over the weekend of August 9 and 10 caused flash floods in the Milwaukee area, leading to significant damage to homes and businesses. Several local restaurants and bars have had to temporarily close as they work to repair the damage. Here’s a look at some of the affected establishments.
Cafe Hollander in Wauwatosa
Cafe Hollander, located at 7677 W. State St. in Wauwatosa, closed temporarily due to flooding from the Menomonee River, which flows alongside the restaurant. The business shared on social media that it is undergoing an unexpected remodel and is currently closed. However, other locations of Cafe Hollander, including those in Brookfield, Mequon, Milwaukee’s east side, and Madison, remain open. Additionally, the Lowlands Group’s sister restaurant, Buckatabon, located directly across the street from Hollander in Tosa Village, is also open, though its main patio remains closed for safety reasons.
The owner expressed solidarity with the community, stating, “Our hearts are with the Village and everyone affected by the recent floods.” The closure is expected to last for six weeks as repairs are made to the lower-level kitchen.
The Mothership in Bay View
The Mothership, a corner cocktail bar at 2301 S. Logan Ave. in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, is closed after suffering extensive water damage to its basement. Owner Ricky Ramirez posted on Instagram that the bar was flooded “from floor to ceiling,” resulting in the loss of equipment, merchandise, and rare liquor bottles. The area near Lincoln Avenue and Bay Street saw significant flooding during the storm, contributing to the damage.
Ian’s Pizza Downtown
Ian’s Pizza, located at 146 E. Juneau Ave., will be closed for about a week due to a sewage backup in the basement where all storage is located. Managing Partner Ryan Donovan mentioned that employees noticed flooding around 1:30 a.m. on August 10, prompting the immediate closure. Although some cleanup has been done, the restaurant is waiting for professional cleaning services. The insurance covers $25,000 for sewage backup, which matches the estimated damages.
The Newport Bar in Bay View
The Newport, a corner bar at 939 E. Conway St., is temporarily closed due to water damage from the storms. Owner Tim Creed hopes to reopen by August 14 or 15. He estimates losses exceeding $50,000, including over $10,000 in beer and liquor alone. Water reached waist-high in the rear space of the bar’s three-level basement, causing significant damage to equipment and infrastructure.
The Slow Buffalo
The Slow Buffalo, located at 3872 S. 92 St., shared on Facebook that its basement flooded during the two-day storm. The sports bar and restaurant, which opened in March, showed images of debris floating in water near the top of the stairs. The owner stated that the closure would be for an extended period, and a quick cleanup is not expected. The business is currently assessing the extent of the damage.
Other Affected Businesses
Chounard and his partner also own The Hale House in Hales Corners and The Local Bar & Grill in Muskego, both of which are open and unaffected by the flooding. These businesses continue to operate while others in the area work to recover from the recent storms.
