After years of working in the service industry, Tripper Duval and Daniel Beres will share their personal visions when they open Lost Whale next Thursday in the former Boone & Crockett space, 2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.

"We wanted it to be a combination of passion for good drinks, for the environment and for having fun," says Beres. "We have a lot of focus and yet still want to do the unexpected with the space."

Lost Whale will open to the public at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, and will celebrate a grand opening during the 4th of July holiday. The patio, which was the former home of Taco Moto, will feature a separate bar and a food truck operated by Iron Grate BBQ Co.

Drinks will focus on Wisconsin beers and classics from the obvious to the lesser-known. Expedited service is also a major aspect of the game plan.

"We’re going to focus on a time in Wisconsin history after prohibition when there were so many good drinks that aren't as popular today (such as the Old Fashioned), like the Harvey Wallbanger and The Stinger and we’re going to re-create them with really good, local ingredients," says Duval.

The lounge will also feature a daily "salvage cocktails" menu, made with "leftovers" from other specialty drinks or from donations from nearby local businesses like coffee roasters and more.

Former patrons of Boone & Crockett – which relocated to a larger space last month – might be surprised by the new digs. The space has a funky, mid-century modern feel with swag lamps (including a couple made by Duval's mom), handprinted walls by Colleen Drew of Drew Arts that appear to be wallpaper at first glance (look for the sparkles mixed in with the paint!) and impeccable hotel chairs from the ‘60s that were scored from a local ReStore.

"We bought most of our furniture from ReStore. We repeatedly visited all six locations in southeastern Wisconsin," says Beres. "It was better for our budget, but even more than that, we knew where our money was going. And when we’re done with it, we’ll just give it back."

Although the business is extremely eco-friendly, the decor is subtle, and definitely reflective of the owners' mission with lake and ocean blues, sandy browns and sunset oranges and rusts. Natural light is also part of the scheme, and three windows on the southern wall – small, medium and large in size – were reclaimed after they removed the high-back Boone booths.

The name, as reported by Lori Fredrich in May, comes from an old April Fool's Day article claiming whale sightings in Lake Michigan. So many people believed the fictional tale that a Facebook page created that day has over 11,000 followers.

The owners of Lost Whale are excited to share their concept with the city, but are also very grateful. Both Beres and Duval listed numerous people who helped them achieve their dream.

"They not only volunteered to help us, they lent us their tools and, most importantly, assured us that our idea was a good one," says Duval. "Milwaukee’s service industry is filled with amazing people."