By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jan 20, 2009 at 4:47 PM

Potawatomi Bingo Casino announced today that it will close Wild Earth, the restaurant it opened just last August. The final day of operation is Jan. 31, the casino said in a statement.

A number of factors contributed to making the decision, said Ryan Amundson, external communications manager. He pointed to both the economic climate and harsh winter conditions over the past several months.

The casino management said it will continue to monitor economic conditions, as well as other determining factors, before making any decisions regarding the restaurant's long-term future.

All 40 restaurant employees will be given the opportunity to apply for open positions within the casino, it said.

All other restaurants at the casino remain open and fully operational, said Amundson.