By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Sep 30, 2018 at 5:12 PM

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It’s been a sweet, successful 15 years for Swig, an early pioneer of Milwaukee’s modern dining scene. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.

Hospitality Democracy announced today that the restaurant, located at 217 N. Broadway, will close its doors following brunch service on Sunday, Oct. 14.

"Our lease option was up at the end of this year. We intended to reimagine the space, as we did with the former Water Buffalo space, when we transformed it into Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria," noted John Walch, President of Hospitality Democracy in a press release announcing the news.

"Unfortunately, both parties were unable to come to a lease agreement that would allow Hospitality Democracy the ability to invest in a new concept in this existing space.

"We have truly enjoyed the experience and camaraderie at Swig over the past 15 years, and we are sad to see it go. In addition to our current Third Ward dining options – Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria, Onesto, and Smoke Shack – we look forward to working on other exciting options in the Third Ward and greater Milwaukee as a whole."

Among plans moving forward in the near future is the launch of brunch at Onesto, which is slated to begin in November, as well as expansion of Hospitality Democracy’s catering and events.

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.