Bradford Beach continues its comeback this Memorial Day weekend when Hi-Hat Group, one of the city's foremost and funkiest restaurant groups, assumes control of the Bradford Beach House and programming at Milwaukee's most popular patch of sand.

Leslie Montemurro and Scott Johnson who own (Kristyn St. Denis is the general manager) Hi-Hat, Hi-Hat Garage, Comet Cafe and Balzac, are partnering with Todd Gawronski of G1, Inc. and Todd Hall of X-Ray Marketing, to bring their magic, menus and event planning touch to nearly every aspect of a faded landmark that was once a shining star in the Milwaukee summer.

"Everyone we talked to at the County is genuinely pumped about getting the Bradford Beach House back up and running strong again," says Johnson. "They also genuinely care about the water quality issues on the lake."

"This is something that we should be doing, and I just couldn't be more proud of what's happening (there)," says Milwaukee County Parks Director Sue Black. "I just can't wait to see our beaches full of people. It's still a work in progress, but this season people are going to see a big difference."

G1, Inc., has a one-year lease from Milwaukee County, which it hopes to extend by at least 10 years after a successful summer. Long-term plans include design upgrades and a possible collaboration to build the proposed Bradford Beach Water Garden.

"The long-term mission is to make Bradford Beach a destination," says Gawronski, who also spearheads the annual Bradford Beach Jam.

Johnson notes a "a palpable vibe of nostalgia" for Bradford Beach. "It's time," he says, "that Bradford Beach makes a comeback."

Gawronski says the revitalized Bradford Beach House will be open seven days a week and will offer a diverse menu of food and drinks, including beer, wine and spirits. In addition, the retail operation will sell brands like as Spy Sunglasses, Quicksilver Sportswear and Roxy.

"Our plans for the space and menu are to provide a seven-day-a-week presence down there, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., at least to start," says Johnson.

"There will be the usual hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, ice cream, soda, but we will also be offering homemade tacos, iced coffee and tea drinks, fresh fruit, bagels and juices, newspapers and free wi-fi. There will be an ATM, and we will carry a full selection of towels, sunscreen, sand castle-building toys for the kids, flip flops and beach mats, bagged ice -- even shorts and sunglasses."

Beach goers can check out volleyballs, soccer balls and goals, even Baggo with an ID.

"We'd eventually like to get boogie boards, skim boards, innertubes and beach chairs," Johnson says. " Basically, ride your bike or skateboard down or pack the kids in the car and we'll have everything you need. We're really excited about making it a destination again."

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23 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by LocalEastSider on Sept. 1, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (report)

Thank You to Todd G, the businesses involved, Sheldon Lubar ...I have REALLY enjoyed this Summer feeling that Bradford Beach is a fun place to get some exercise, hang out, listen to music, have some decent coffee, drinks, foods and APPRECIATE our wonderful Lake..I have gone to Bradford Beach a lot this past summer (I used to swim everyday as a child!)..I have heard many people reminisce about the way it used to be...THANK YOU for stressing Keeping it CLEAN, and being responsible...it has been exciting to see this transformation...I was there yesterday, the last day of Summer (basically), and saw so many interesting moments, I would like to do a photo story on the " Last Day of Summer"..maybe NEXT year...! Hope the County/Scott Walker learn something from this too (Parks funding).

Posted by LocalEastSider on Sept. 1, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (report)

not sure if local home/building owners are aware - the fertilizers they put on lawns end up in Lake Michigan & cause Algae bloom which can eventually cause Dead Zones like the one off the Louisianna coast....also lead to dying lakes... AND please stop using so many herbicides/pesticides which also run off into Lakes, and are known carcinogens. Here's a useful source for chemical alternatives on lawns/gardens: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/lawn/index.htm

Posted by VincentVega on May 27, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (report)

It's about time! I wish you guys success and hope to be there for the coronation of Ms. Bradford Beach 2008. I hope you are able to clean up that location and provide a trendy Lincoln Memorial Drive venue to complement Alterra coffee.

Posted by toddg on May 20, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (report)

no, the construction is the rehabbing of the parking lots and creation of storm sewer retainment areas to prevent sewer water from flowing on the beach after a hard rain.

Posted by toddg on May 20, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (report)

Thank you and yes, the guards will be back starting 5/24.