By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Sep 20, 2023 at 11:17 AM

The recent abrupt closing of numerous venues inspired the owners of Bars & Recreation to swing into action mode with a new program called "We'll Make You Whole."

Individuals and organizations whose venue contracts unexpectedly terminated are invited to bring their cancelled contract to one of the Bars & Rec establishments to receive the value of the lost deposit towards rental of one of their spaces.

Bars & Rec owns and operates AXE MKE, NorthSouth Club, Nine Below and Amped: Private Suite Karaoke & Events.

The company's events team will work with customers and event hosts to ensure that the transition is seamless and stress-free. 

“It’s a tough time for the service industry,” said CEO Marla Poytinger. “What really tugged at our heartstrings was the story of the couple who had their rehearsal dinner abruptly cancelled by Punch Bowl Social with no explanation and no promise of a refund for their event deposit. That’s just not how we roll.”  

To take advantage of the “We’ll Make You Whole” offering, contact Bars & Rec's Events Team at (414) 939-8592 or events@barsandrec.com

Poytinger, who founded Bars & Rec in 2012, says the company employs about 50 full-time and part-time employees who are all based locally.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Poytinger promises. “In fact, we’re growing. We’re hiring constantly and planning new locations in the southeastern Wisconsin area for 2024 and beyond.”  


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.