Is Five Guys Burgers and Fries coming to the Third Ward?

Like many companies, it scouts areas for potential and does its homework. Downtown Milwaukee is somewhat void of faster food options, so several sources say that the growing chain is looking to expand there.

One source says Five Guys has looked at a space at 309 N. Water St., most recently Hers, a women's boutique that closed in February. The former New World Wine space, next to Starbucks, has also been looked at by Five Guys and other restaurant chains.

Sandy T. Golden, senior vice president at CB Richard Ellis couldn't confirm the Third Ward interest but said, "Five Guys is actively looking for opportunities through the Metropolitan area. It is a terrific concept that has been very well received in our market. Bayshore Town Center is the newest location. Look for several new store openings in the next 8-12 months."

OnMilwaukee.com's Drew Olson recently wrote that Five Guys' "classic, bare-bones design ... chipper staff ... and immaculately cleanliness," should be great fits for the growing residential, retail, arts and business area.

A Third Ward location would be the fourth in the Milwaukee-area, planting Five Guys within several shopping and restaurant destinations, including the Milwaukee Public Market and ever-popular Water Buffalo.

Phone calls and e-mails regarding its interest in the Third Ward were not returned. Most companies, though, do not comment on leases until they are finalized.

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