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After a year and a half of planning, mother-and-son-team BJ and Chris Homayouni opened Cork Wine Bar, 1039 S. Fifth St. The two also own Union House, a bar and restaurant in Cedarburg.
"My mom is going to focus on Union House and I'll be here," says Chris.
Currently, Cork Bar offers 25+ wines – available by the glass, half bottle or full bottle – from regions all over the world: Wisconsin, Oregon, Italy, New Zealand and more. There's also a full bar with an emphasis on whiskey and a signature cocktail menu. Zero-proof wine is also available.
Chris says he plans to have larger selections in the future, but is currently getting a feel for the clientele and finding out what they want from his cozy corner lounge. Cork will also host tastings and other small events.
The decor is tasteful, soothing and uncomplicated with richly-painted walls, tables topped with small lanterns and, of course, many bottles of wine in full view. Much of the wood was repurposed from old doors, and the tables and chairs came from Habitat from Humanity. Patio seating will be available during warmer weather.
Cork provides bar snacks and Chris hopes to partner with food trucks this spring for more food options. Down the road, he'd like Cork to have a small food menu of its own.
The similarities between Cork and Union House have made Chris feel like he's on the right path. Both are in historic buildings and both are on a street called Washington: Union House is on Washington Avenue and Cork is on the corner of 5th and Washington Streets. Both places serve The Paloma II, a favorite tequila, grapefruit and lime drink at Union House.
"It feels really great to be here," says Chris. "The neighbors have been really nice and they seem genuinely excited for us."
Cork officially opened last week and now has regular hours on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Chris sees the spaces as ideal for happy hours, date nights, celebrations and even a spot to relax and finish out the work day with a glass of wine.
"Most importantly, we want to keep this space fresh and welcoming," he says. "We're off to a good start and will grow it from here."
Here are six photos of Cork Wine Bar:
Follow Cork Wine Bar on Instagram here.
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.
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