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Renowned Milwaukee Icon Comes Back to Life with Re-Opening

of the Historic and Beloved Brown Bottle Restaurant

Milwaukee, WI – January 12, 2015 – They say it’s the “beer that made Milwaukee famous,” but some might argue the food and drink and camaraderie at the Brown Bottle tavern helped. With the grand re-opening of the historic and beloved Brown Bottle, a new chapter begins in the iconic restaurant’s 76-year history.

First opened in 1938 as a meeting place for visitors at the end of brewery tours, today’s guests get a hefty dose of restaurant’s rich past, accentuated by modern upgrades and finishing touches, as they enjoy classic comfort foods and old world pub fare with a contemporary flair.

“Business has already been brisk as both devoted and new customers have been excited to see Brown Bottle come back to life,” says Executive Chef Ben Hudson. “Their favorite comfort foods and pub classics are here, but several dishes have a lighter, fresher spin. In addition, guests have already very appreciative that we’re paying special attention to locally sourced foods; vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options; and wholesome offerings.”

Hudson, a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, most recently worked alongside such notable executive chefs as Adam Siegel and Nick Wirth from Bacchus, a Bartalotta Restaurant in Milwaukee. In Portland, he served as head chef of the vegan restaurant and bar, the Hungry Tiger Too, and was sous chef at Mama Mia’s Trattoria.

Initial dinner offerings at the Brown Bottle feature starters including a Charcuteri Plate, Schlitz Mussels and a Wisconsin Cheese Plate; salads such as a vegan Panzanella, a Pear Salad, and an Asparagus Salad; and a selection of flatbreads, sandwiches and burgers. Main entrees include Pretzel Crusted Pork Tenderloin, served with wilted chard and herbed spaetzle in a mustard cream sauce; Meatloaf, served with rustic-style garlic mashed potatoes, broccolini, tomato jam, and topped with a mushroom gravy; and a classic Mac & Cheese featuring Wisconsin cheddar sauce and a baked garlic herb crust.

Lunch – with a full selection of starters, soups, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads – also includes new twists on classic favorites with such marquee items at the Kimchi Reuben, a vegan Mushroom Dip, and the Salmon Bowl, which features soy-glazed salmon over soba noodles.

The Brown Bottle bar, with its large TVs and variety of seating areas, serves tasty bar bites, classic cocktails and a wide variety of wine and beer including Schlitz and nine craft beers. Looking ahead to spring and summer, the Brown Bottle Patio Garden will offer full bar and food table service overlooking Schlitz Park’s new Brewhouse Square park.

“We want to honor Brown Bottle’s rich history while offering a more modern style of food and atmosphere in a comfortable and convenient downtown location,” explained Schlitz Park President Gary Grunau. “Bringing the Brown Bottle back to life really fulfills the mission of the Schlitz Park area and will be a great gathering place for tenants, neighbors and the community.”

The Brown Bottle is located at 221 W. Galena St. on the ground level of Schlitz Park’s recently renovated Stock-House building complex. The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. Call (414) 539-6450 for reservations or visit for more information.

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More than 4,300 employees work in Schlitz Park, home to major Milwaukee organizations including ManpowerGroup, Time Warner and others that provide financial services, health care, employment, education, technology and other important services. Schlitz Park is owned and managed by The Brewery Works, Inc., the organization formed by the families that purchased the Schlitz Park property in 1983.

The Brewery Works, Inc., 1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212

414.272.6302