By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jan 04, 2009 at 3:29 PM Photography: Maureen Post

This weekend, The Social, located at 170 S. 1st St., closed its doors. After nearly five years in business and two Walker's Point locations, The Social served its last meal last week.

Due to a tightening economy and subsequent lacking sales, owner Kevin Sloan had been planning to close slowly throughout the last month.

The Social, originally located on South 2nd Street, moved to its current 1st Street location in 2005. Serving an upscale diner-style menu, The Social served as restaurant, bar, dance hall and show venue.

As creator of former restaurants Sol Fire and Room 434, Sloan's experience and contribution to Milwaukee's restaurant scene goes far beyond The Social. However, The Social, his longest running restaurant, has been a staple for Third Ward and Walker's Point residents for nearly a decade.

According to restaurant regulars, Sloan hopes to eventually redesign and reopen the restaurant.

Sloan was unavailable for comment.