Sushi business planned in Brookfield
The former Outback Steakhouse property in Brookfield will be converted to an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant.
A partner in Jin’s Sushi Seafood & Bar in Greenfield and the operator of Lovers Lane Sushi and Seafood Buffet in Franklin is taking over the property at 1260 S. Moorland Road to open a restaurant called Wonita. The 7,077-square-foot building became available after Outback relocated to Brookfield Square mall about a mile from the space.
Andrew Prater of Mid-America Real Estate-Wisconsin LLC represented property landlord CSM Country Inn Milwaukee West LLC in leasing space for the restaurant.
Jessie Jin said she expects Wonita to open in December or early 2022.
The restaurant will have a full bar and will invite guests for an all-you-can-eat experience. Some of the restaurant’s food will be Japanese; other menu offerings will have influences from other Asian cultures, Jin said.
She said she was interested in the restaurant space because of its size. Wonita will have about 40 tables to seat guests, she said.
The restaurant will have full table service. Customers are provided images of menu items and a sheet to mark off what they’d like to order.
Similar to Jin’s in Greenfield, she said the restaurant is inspired by the goal of bringing unique food – and fresh seafood, in particular – to Wisconsin. She said she was moved to open a second restaurant similar to Jin’s after seeing customers wait in line for hours to dine at the Greenfield location.
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Union House hires Kerley
Seasoned Milwaukee chef Matt Kerley is the new culinary and operations director for The Union House Restaurant in Genesee Depot.
Jim Lindenberg, of Lindy Enterprises, purchased the fine-dining establishment early last year. He said he hired Kerley to oversee the food and beverage operations for the restaurant at S42 W31320 Highway 83 because of Kerley's reputation and his vision for the business.
“We think we’ve really upgraded,” Lindenberg said. “It’s going to give us potential, because his background is so wide, it gives us the potential to jump into other opportunities, too.”
Kerley’s resume includes working as executive chef of The Rumpus Room, The University Club of Milwaukee and Hinterland. Most recently, he worked for Levy Restaurants and was the executive chef at The Mecca Sports Bar and Grill when it opened in 2019.
Kerley said he took the job at The Union House Restaurant because he could see “true magic” when he visited to discuss the opportunity.
In his position, Kerley said he serves as both the general manager of the business and oversees the kitchen as executive chef.
He said he has ideas for how to tweak, finesse and update the menu, but he also wants to maintain what has worked at the restaurant.
“The Union House has, by and large, been hugely successful for many years,” he said.
Average cost 2 apps, 2 entrees, 2 desserts
| Rank | Prior Rank | Restaurant |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Carnevor Steakhouse Moderne |
2 | 2 | Ardent |
3 | 3 | Mo's ... A Place for Steaks |
Second Billy Sims BBQ to open
A second Wisconsin location for Billy Sims BBQ is scheduled to open Monday in Franklin.
The fast-casual restaurant is at 7358 W. Rawson Ave. and has operating hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Billy Sims BBQ offers dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out service.
The chain serves nine kinds of smoked meats, along with baked beans, baked potatoes, smoked corn on the cob, coleslaw and other menu options.
The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based chain was co-founded by former professional football player Billy Sims.
“We’ve got a fun, family-oriented, tailgate kind of atmosphere here and some of the tastiest and most tender brisket and ribs around,” Sims said in an announcement of the opening. “It’s truly a celebration of good food and good football – a place to kick back and enjoy yourself. The brand is seeing tremendous success in smaller, underserved markets such as our first location in West Bend and this new location in Franklin.”
Sims is scheduled to visit the restaurant for its grand opening celebration Sept. 10 and Sept. 11.
Clay Covert, whose background is in marketing, owns the Wisconsin franchises, the announcement says.
Recap
The Milwaukee Business Journal publishes a weekly "Quick Bites" round-up of restaurant news from around the region. Have restaurant news to share? Contact reporter Sari Lesk at 414-908-0573 or slesk@bizjournals.com.