The owners of the Historic Third Ward's Broadway Bistro and Bakery, Joe Schulte and his wife, Tessa Santoro-Schulte, have closed the sit down (bistro) portion of their business at 241 N. Broadway. The space, which featured higher end dining and white tablecloths, will now be used for special events and rental.

"We are going to focus on our catering," Santoro-Schulte said. "After three years, it's time to call it (the higher end restaurant) quits. We're excited and relived. It's been a long time coming." Santoro-Schulte also said the space will be available for rental, and that it can accommodate up to 75 people.

As for the café and catering, Gourmet to Go Catering has more than 100 bread and bakery clients, a new relationship with Cuvee and several wedding and large corporate clients.

The bakery / café portion of the business, on the left side of the space with the counter that for many years was part of La Boulangerie, will be "played around with a bit" and will continue to serve hot breakfasts, bakery, Saturday brunch and a full bar. It will be closed on Sundays.

In other Third Ward restaurant news. Rumors had been swirling about Brian Zarletti taking over the space that housed Riverwalk Bistro at 223 N. Water St. Milwaukee Magazine's Ann Christenson confirmed this in her weekly e-mail column. The new Zarletti restaurant is not yet named, but will focus on pizza and open later this Spring.