By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jul 15, 2006 at 1:10 PM

Gil's Cafe, 2608 N. Downer Ave., has closed. According to sources, the cafe, grill and music venue will not reopen, and a few restaurant representatives have already shown interest in moving into the space. The location, which was owned by Katz Properties has been purchased by New Land Development.

Michael "Gil" Rasmussen, the chef, owner and operator of Gil's,  says he is closing the restaurant to spend more time with his family.

Gil's opened in 1994 and hosted the annual "Gil Fest" block party every August that featured Texas music and Tex-Mex food.


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.