Brookfield's Saloon On Calhoun With Bacon To Close In August

BROOKFIELD, WI — Citing record low attendance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners of Saloon on Calhoun with Bacon in Brookfield have announced the business will close in August.

The announcement came "with heavy hearts and bacon-clogged arteries." The restaurant and popular concert venue's final day will be Aug. 20, owners Dave and Jennine Dayler announced in a news release.

The business sought to provide great food, welcoming staff, and great live music. Owners attribute their previous success to the supporters of that live music. The business planned on starting music again this September, but the restaurant couldn't stay solvent until then, the news release said.

To survive amid the pandemic closures, owners laid off 58 staff members and self-funded the business, according to the news release. Concerts were provided on a Youtube channel and the business was largely carryout. But attendance never returned to what it was before the pandemic.

"Sadly, attendance this summer reached new record lows and exhausted the self-funding ability of ownership," owners said in the news release. Increasing expenses and economic challenges from the high cost of fuel meant there is no way to continue, the news release said.

The business pointed toward emergency orders from Gov. Tony Evers, specifically one in March of 2020, as one struggle for the business. Owners also blamed "the media," asserting that fear has resulted in a 1/3 reduction in attendance.

"Saloon owner Dave Dayler explained to local media the long-term ramifications Ever’s order would have on the service industry and Saloon on Calhoun specifically," the news release said.

The business, located at 17000 West Capitol Drive, put on live music since 2011, typically from September through May.

"Saloon and its amazing staff want to personally thank all those who supported our efforts over the last 11 years," the business said in a news release. "Saloon wants to thank all the musicians who graced the stage with their talents over the past decade. We are proud of all the relationships that started, grew and flourished into marriages and families over these years. Saloon is proud to have supported countless charities and fundraisers over the years and is disappointed to no longer have the ability to help our community."

The business advised people to use all coupons, drink chips, VIP cards and gift certificates by Aug. 20 as they will not be redeemable after closing.