By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Mar 23, 2005 at 5:36 AM

{image1}Rumors fly around this city like Tater Tots in a middle school cafeteria, but once again, OMC gets an "A" for effort when it comes to getting the scoop on what's true and what's not in this monthly feature.

True: Jay Mulloy, owner of the Soup Ladle inside the 770 N. Jefferson St. space, is building out the old Senor Frogs space into a new joint called Fresch Pizzeria and Pub.

True: Milwaukee's first progressive, feminist bookstore is opening next month at 2241 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. with a grand opening party featuring ex-pat Pamela Means on April 9. Owners Kelly Todd, Molly Tennessen and Amy Daroszeski collectively agree, "The feminist movement needs men, women and transpeople to truly progress."

False: Despite constant rumors, Trader Joe's -- at this point -- is not opening in Milwaukee.

True: Brio Trattoria will open in May at 785 N. Jefferson St. between Dino's and Club Havana. Chef Tomas White, who also runs/operates Mia Famiglia in Hales Corners, is co-owner along with Bob Hecht. Initially, they will serve Tommie's pizza along with his soups and specialty sandwiches. Soon, they will have a full kitchen and will expand their menu.

True: Brady Street's Konohana will soon re-open as an upscale bistro, sans sushi.

False: (At least for now) El Rey Mexican Food Products Inc. will open at 916 S. Cesar Chavez Dr. Although it seems like a sure thing, the city Plan Commission did not approve a zoning change that will allow construction of the 20,000-square-foot store. Instead, they will vote on it next month. The space was formerly home to a Burger King.

True: While the Brown Bottle Pub is not re-opening, as some rumors have it, Dean Cannestra, owner of Palermo Villa Restaurant and Nessun Dorma will launch "Liviamo" -- an Italian bar and restaurant -- in the Brown Bottle space in Schlitz Park in July.

True: Eddy's, the Chinese restaurant next to Comet Café on Farwell Avenue, has closed. Comet continues to renovate.

False: The old Dunkin' Donuts space on Oakland Avenue is not becoming a Potbelly, according to Potbelly's district manager, Bill Holleman.

True: Brewing Grounds, a café co-op that's 100 percent fair trade, is open at 2010 N. Farwell Ave.

False: Despite rumors, the Calderone Club on the East Side was not sold. Owner Maria "Mama" Calderone says she has arthritis in her knee and would like to retire sometime this year, but no one has made an offer on her up-for-sale restaurant.

True: Nova Cena in the Third Ward is closed. Tesa Santoro, owner of the old Murphy's in the Mall at The Shops of Grand Avenue and now numerous catering businesses including Gourmet-to-Go, is the new owner and will re-open it soon as Broadway Cafe.


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.