All evidence points to the fact that Stack'd Burger Bar has closed its doors at 170 S. 1st St.

A call to the restaurant during business hours went unanswered. A peek at the website shows it as expired. Even more compelling, there is no evidence of renewal for the eatery's restaurant and liquor licensure, which expired at the end of March. 

While Stack'd may have lost some of its shine in recent years, with so many new options on the landscape, it's worthwhile to recognize the restaurant for its contributions.

A brief homage

When it opened its doors in 2009, Stack'd Burger Bar was a novelty. Gourmet burger bars were sweeping the nation and founder Tim Dixon brought the notion to Milwaukee.

In 2016, longtime general manager Trevor Danielsen took ownership, and his efforts kept the eatery relevant for nearly a decade, even as burger concepts sprang up everywhere around it.

Among the things that set Stack'd apart was its commitment to quality and variety. Beef was carefully sourced and presented as just one option among many proteins, including bison, turkey, breaded chicken, portabella mushroom or black bean or chickpea walnut burgers. Guests could also choose between a well-curated menu of signature burgers and build-your-own options, which were plentiful.

Maybe more important to the dining community was the burger bar's commitment to allergen-friendly meals. A dedicated fryer, toaster, prep area and flattop space made the kitchen safe for gluten-free diners, with dedicated training and kitchen protocols making the restaurant a safe space even for those diagnosed with Celiac. 

As few as 10-15 years ago, accommodations like this were nearly unheard of, with just a few restaurants like Transfer Pizzeria and Tess putting a priority on accommodations for those with allergies. 

But allergy-friendly accommodations didn't stop there. Stack'd took every allergy and dietary preference seriously, accommodating diners who needed (or chose) to avoid nuts, soy, dairy, wheat, meat and more. It was an element that set them apart from most local restaurants. 

A salient reminder

We may never know why Stack'd chose to close its doors, though the reasoning was likely due to numerous factors: a saturated burger market, increased costs, supply chain variables and numerous other difficulties currently impacting the restaurant industry. 

It's a good reminder to support the locally owned restaurants you value. It's the only way they have a chance of surviving.