Amelia's Bar and Restaurant temporarily closes following burglary

Updated: Oct. 14, 2025

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee police have arrested a man connected to a burglary at a popular bar and restaurant near the airport.

Amelia's reopened Tuesday, after closing for two days.

One of the owners, Kevin Schoofs, told CBS 58 that a man broke in at 4 a.m. Sunday, through a side window into the restaurant's party room.

The person spent about an hour rifling through the restaurant, causing damage.

"My wife has owned the business for 20 years, and this is the first time that anything like this has happened," Schoofs said. "We had offices and different things, like registers and other machines, that were damaged in looking for valuables."

Schoofs tells us some items were stolen but would not say what they were.

"It was traumatic to see the damage that was done, it was very extensive," he explained.

Milwaukee police confirmed Tuesday that they have arrested a 43-year-old man.

Amelia's staff spent two days cleaning up, and the space is now back open to customers.

"This part of the community here, it's safe, it's good," Schoofs said. "We had a lot of support from our people who work for us, and different other bar owners and restaurant owners reached out."

The owners said they are grateful that someone was arrested so quickly, so they can get back to normal.

The man in custody has not yet been charged.

Published: Oct. 13, 2025

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating a burglary at Amelia's Bar and Restaurant near the airport. 

The burglary was initially reported Sunday morning, Oct. 12. 

Police say someone stole and damaged property inside the restaurant -- which is located on Layton Avenue -- and they continue to search for them. 

Amelia's says they will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m.