Milwaukee's Comet Café set to reopen under new ownership

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Comet Café will reopen under new ownership. This, after the popular east-side restaurant closed their doors during the pandemic in July of 2020. 

According to a news release, the owners and operators of Honeypie Café, Honeypie Bakeshop, Palomino and SmallPie will be returning to their roots taking over Comet Café.

Milwaukee foodies recall fond memories of their favorite foods and dishes at the restaurant.

"I remember coming to Comet Café for their cupcakes most, and free bacon when you came for brunch on the weekends," Sara Civiletta told CBS 58.

"It was a really great place to get some really good comfort food," Alexis Oaks of Milwaukee said. "And we used to go with our friends who were vegan, so going there for those other options was really good too."

When the restaurant closed last summer, it left fans dismayed.

"It was sad, you know, I was a little upset about it," Oaks said.

But news of its announced return has sparked excitement.

"I think it was an institution on the east side so it's nice to hear that it's coming back," said Melanie Atindel.

Valeri Lucks, founder and CEO of PIE Inc., operated Comet from 2005 to 2015 with her brother Adam Lucks. 

“It was my first restaurant,” said Valeri. “Founded in 1995 by Scott Johnson and Leslie Montemurro, Comet started out and operated as a much-loved neighborhood coffee shop for 10 years. Adam and I partnered with Scott and Leslie in 2005 to expand it to a full restaurant and bar. Adam developed a menu championing locally sourced and scratch-made comfort food and craft beers at a time when all of that was still new to the industry. Adam and I operated it for 10 years. We had so much fun at Comet and worked with so many great people.”

Since 2018 the PIE Inc restaurants have been owned solely by Valeri Lucks. As of last week, Derek Petersen, Executive Chef of PIE Inc. has become a partner and co-owner with Valeri.

The news release says Comet will reopen for service sometime in winter of 2022. The food and drinks will be kept very much the same. 

"My late father helped us build the bar, my brother and friends built the booths, counter and tables that are still there. Much of that menu we created in 2005 ourselves. We are excited to return to it,” said Lucks. Pie from the Honeypie Bakeshop will be back on the menu as well." 
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