The Metal Grill, a venue which has served both raucous head-banging music, bacon-centric apps and burgers, closed abruptly on Friday.
Formerly home of The Blue Pig and Vnuk’s Lounge, the bar, restaurant and music venue at 5026 S. Packard Ave. in Cudahy was owned by Theresa and Neil Borkowski. They opened the venue in 2013 and have hosted countless shows in the space, including a recent 18+ show featuring Goatwhore, Anciients, Anomaly & Khazaddum.
The Borkowskis announced the closing last night on Facebook.
Since that time, the venue has also been posted for sale on Craigslist.
The description reads: "Located in Cudahy, Wisconsin, The Metal Grill has hosted local, regional, and national acts over many years (including Trapt, Smile Empty Soul, and Kip Winger, just to name a few).
"The property has several unique attributes that will facilitate significant growth for a new owner. The Concert hall capacity is approximately 200 and there is a large outdoor area that could be converted into a beer garden. Opportunity abounds, however present ownership simply does not have the time to capitalize on them. Further, this property generates rental income through the upper level apartments.
"This is an ideal opportunity for someone already in the entertainment industry, or someone whom is looking for a turn-key opportunity to which they can bring their own ideas. Current ownership looks forward to transitioning the business (training a new owner), including day to day operations and music agent introductions (for booking live music)."
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "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 planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
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