'New traditions at a new place': Hamburger Mary's to temporarily close as they seek out new location

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An iconic Walker's Point restaurant, known for its drag show brunches, is temporarily shutting down.

For the past year or so, an adjacent property owned by Hamburger Mary's -- formerly Hunty's Social Club and Mary's Arcade Bar -- was on the market.

Now, a buyer has offered to purchase the corner bar buildings, as well as the building that houses Hamburger Mary's. 

On Friday, July 19, the restaurant posted on social media about the closure, adding that they will "be back soon."

“It’s tough, you know, life just throws you these curveballs and you’ve just got to make do with it," said co-owner Ashley Wright. "We feel really bad, but we just are going to try our best to get reopened and start new traditions at a new place.”

Wright added that the offer was one they "couldn't refuse."

Hamburger Mary's first opened in Bay View in 2011. After five years, they moved to their current location -- something Wright looks back fondly on.

“You know I think the thing I’m going to miss the most, and I’m hoping we can recreate at the new location, is just the atmosphere that this place has," Wright said. “When the lights are going and the shows are going, it’s just a really fun place to be.”

While the timeline for reopening isn't yet set, Wright said they have already received messages about potential locations in Milwaukee.

"I don't know if it'll be this year or early next year," Wright said. “We’ve moved before so we’re not really daunted by that task, I’m sure we’ll find a great spot to bring Hamburger Mary’s back soon.”

Sunday, July 28 marks the final day at the Walker's Point location, and tickets for the last drag brunch are still available. 

“Are we doing anything special for that last brunch? Hmm well I will be drinking. I don’t know about everybody else!" Wright said laughingly.  “Until we see you again, eat, drink, and be Mary!”