A Wisconsin statute is getting in the way of Company Brewing’s progress.
According to the statute, an owner of a brewpub or brewery may not hold any other retail liquor licenses for businesses that they own or are affiliated with. As a result, the Class B license that co-owner Karen Bell holds for her butcher shop and restaurant, Bavette la Boucherie, is in conflict.
According to a press release issued by Bell and partner, George Bregar, this afternoon the two have decided that the best option is for Bell to sever her ties with the business.
"I am disheartened and saddened by this turn of events, but unfortunately do not see any other option than to part ways," says Bell. "I know that Company Brewing will be a huge asset to the city and neighborhood and look forward to sitting on the other side of the bar,"
Bell plans to assist Company Brewing in working through the transition, and will assist in recruiting a chef and kitchen staff in preparation for the brewpub’s opening in a few weeks.
Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee.com for details as they develop.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
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