By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jul 17, 2017 at 5:01 PM

If you’ve driven past the former Chez Jacques space of late, you may have noticed that a "For Lease" sign is posted again on the front of the building at 1301 S. 1st St.

We reported in May that the space was slated to become Martini, a bar, event space and lounge. However, those plans have since been scrapped, leaving the former French restaurant available to interested parties.

Both partners, Clai Green and Jacques Chaumet, confirmed Monday afternoon that the plans for Martini have been dissolved.

Chaumet says he’s stepping back into a landlord-only role and focusing on his retirement. Meanwhile, Green says he’s looking for new opportunities as they arise.

Chaumet says he has already seen some interest in the space, which will be available for lease only.

Watch OnMilwaukee for details on what’s next for this Walker’s Point destination.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “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 recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.