Milwaukee Brewers star Ryan Braun and other investors plan to open a restaurant, called Ryan Braun’s Waterfront Grill, in the Historic Third Ward, according to a report by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Braun’s restaurant will soon take over the space currently occupied by Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant, 102 N. Water St. The restaurant has a large outdoor patio, with seating for 275, along the Milwaukee River. The Braun menu will feature fresh seafood in addition to steaks and chops, chicken, pastas, individual pizzas, sandwiches and hamburgers.
Madison-based lawyer Patrick Sweeney, an investor working with Braun, said they finalized a lease on Monday, and the aggressive plan is to open to the public by Monday, April 5.
Braun also is working on plans to open a restaurant, called Ryan Braun’s Tavern and Grill, in Lake Geneva, which will be located in the former Cactus Club restaurant space at 430 Broad St.
Braun has been personally involved in both projects. Assuming the deal goes through, he plans to spend some time at the restaurant this summer.
"I think I’ll be there all the time," Braun said. "I’m really excited about it. I think we’ll get some good buzz at the beginning, but then it becomes about great service and quality food. That has to be what it is all about, and that’s why I associated myself with people with experience who know what they’re doing."
Braun also is involved in other off-field business ventures, including a clothing company, Remetee, and a line of baseball bats from Sam Bat.
