Business & Tech

New Third Ward Restaurant The Edison To Replace Milwaukee Wahlburgers

A new restaurant called The Edison plans on bringing new American fare and a speakeasy-inspired bar to Milwaukee's Third Ward this summer.

A new restaurant called The Edison is planning to replace the former site of Wahlburgers in Milwaukee, the group behind the plans announced Thursday.
A new restaurant called The Edison is planning to replace the former site of Wahlburgers in Milwaukee, the group behind the plans announced Thursday. (Scott Anderson/Patch)

MILWAUKEE, WI — The former site of the Wahlburgers in Milwaukee's Third Ward will be replaced with a new American food joint called The Edison that features a speakeasy-inspired bar, the group behind the plans announced Thursday.

The new eatery will be located at 322 N Broadway Street and is expected to open by summer 2023, according to a news release from Benson's Restaurant Group. The spot will serve up coal-fired butcher's cuts and seafood alongside other classic dishes, beer, wine, and a curated selection of nostalgic cocktails with a modern twist, Benson's said.

“For the past few months, we’ve been hard at work with our partners, skilled executive chefs
and staff to create impeccable food and drink offerings and a welcoming gathering place that
stands out in the Third Ward,” said David Marcus, CEO of Benson’s Restaurant Group. “The
space captures the true spirit of the Third Ward, with raw, architectural accents with warm wood
and tall windows, while remaining contemporary and inviting. We can’t wait for the community to
experience The Edison for weekday brunch with a colleague, a family gathering for dinner, or a
post-work drink at the bar.”

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Related: Group Behind Onesto And AJ Bombers Replacing Wahlburgers In Third Ward


The spot will fit 140 guests in bar and dining seating and will feature 44 outdoor seats on a patio, Benson's said.

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The group has already named much of the new restaurant's management team and kitchen staff. Patrick Erdman, who previously worked for Levy at Fiserv Forum and for Bartolotta Restaurant Group, was named as general manager. The group named Anthony Janssen as the executive chef while Executive Sous Chef Adam Gustavson will also be headed to the new spot from Onesto. Chef Steve Gustafson will oversee the creation of the menu alongside Alex Sazama.

The group is already looking to hire for front-of-house and back-of-house. People can apply at bensonsrestaurantgroup.com/careers.

Benson's is also behind Onesto, Smoke Shack, AJ Bombers, The Bridgewater Modern Grill and Blue Bat Kitchen and Tequilaria.

“We have a combination of new faces and tenured team members, all of whom are extremely skilled at their craft, making up The Edison. I’m thrilled for what’s in store,” Marcus said.

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