By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Aug 09, 2021 at 1:03 PM

Tough times bring new opportunities. And a big one is brewing in the heart of the Deer District as the owners of Turner Hall, 1034 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., push out a call for a new operator to continue the nearly 140-year tradition of Friday night fish fries and local brews in an historic environment.

Image of Turner Hall from March of 1926
Image of Turner Hall from March of 1926
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The Milwaukee Turners, Inc. have announced that they are accepting proposals from food and beverage operators who wish to operate a restaurant and bar business on the first floor and lower level of the historic Turner Hall. 

The space, which was most recently operated by Mike Eitel as the Tavern at Turner Hall, includes approximately 8200 square feet and includes a restaurant bar, kitchen, office and storage space, along with a much-coveted asset: a spacious parking lot located just across the street from Fiserv Forum.

“We seek to work with a progressive restaurateur who will recognize the history and mission of the Milwaukee Turners while creating their own successful business plan and menu,” reads the Request for Proposals. “We want them to be honest and good partners with us and our other tenant, the Pabst Theater Group, which operates the Turner Hall Ballroom and hosts concerts, shows, wedding, etc.”

Interested parties can access the full document and details online at milwaukeeturners.org/restaurant  The deadline for proposals is Aug. 30, 2021.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.