By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Feb 25, 2016 at 10:43 PM

Sometimes very good things simply aren't in the cards. Such is the case with the much-anticipated opening of Benji's Deli and Restaurant in Wauwatosa.

This past June, the popular deli would move into a space adjacent to Camp Bar at 6606 W. North Ave.  

Unfortunately, plans have folded for the new location, as is evident from the restaurant's recent post on Facebook:

We are disappointed to announce that we have to cancel our new location in East Tosa. Thanks to the ownership and staff... Posted by Benji's Deli and Restaurant on Thursday, February 25, 2016

Benji's co-owner Chris Price confirmed the news late this evening.

"It was a culmination of several factors," noted Price, "And at the end of the day it just wasn't meant to be. But, we absolutely love Tosa, and we still hope to open a location there in the future."

"We really were convinced this would be the perfect fit for the neighborhood and for Camp Bar," says Paul Hackbarth, Camp Bar owner and landlord for the building. "We both really fought for this. We both invested in it and took it as far as it could go. But, sometimes the stars just don't align."

As far as what might go into the space now, Hackbarth says he's not altogether sure. 

"I don't have an answer yet. Obviously, we'll be exploring our options," he says. "But, the building was built for retail. And after looking at what it takes to convert an old building with apartments above into a restaurant, it may in the end be easier just to keep it as office space."

Hackbarth notes that he will be entertaining offers from other businesses. However, he says he's also considering the option of moving his current Shorewood-based entertainment company, Sound by Design, into the space.

"We've been growing quickly," he says. "And the space would work well for us."

Benji's Deli will continue to maintain both of its existing locations in Shorewood and Fox Point.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.