Some Third Ward businesses say they expect uptick from RNC

Several business operators in the Historic Third Ward — blocks away from the center of activity and protest areas for the Republican National Convention — are optimistic they’ll see benefits from the gathering.

And many said they weren’t overly concerned that downtown office workers will work from home next week.

Here’s what some had to say in interviews late this week.

Tre Rivali, Café Benelux and Social American Tavern express optimism

Tre Rivali, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, is located in the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. Although staff expressed mild concern on whether office workers will patronize the restaurant during the RNC, they are confident that tourism will make up for any losses.

“I think it will in a different way, in different departments. Like our banquet department and certainly guest rooms will be very busy,” said Katie Neufeld, general manager of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel.

Tre Rivali will be open to the public every day during the convention. The Outsider, the swanky rooftop bar of the hotel will also be open to all, except on Monday. To optimize business, both places will be extending hours and staffing much more than usual.

Director of food and beverage John Cassanos is proud of what the restaurant has to offer, explaining that the menu incorporates different aspects of the Mediterranean. Influences from the Middle East, Italy, Greece, Portugal and even North Africa find themselves in the mix.

According to Cassanos, many dishes are friendly to vegetarians and vegans and each packs “punches of flavor.” He is not only eager to introduce Tre Rivali to visitors, but the city as a whole.

“I’d like people to appreciate what a great city Milwaukee is. … It’s a really great chance for the city to show off all of the attractions that it has,” he said.

“I also hope that everyone, residents and visitors, can show some respect for the diversity of opinion and for the diversity of the city. This is an opportunity for people to hopefully open their eyes to the things we have in common.”

Katie Neufeld echoed the same sentiment, saying, “We’re excited to introduce Milwaukee to the world, and we’re incredibly proud of the hospitality, product, and everything that is encompassed in the Journeyman Hotel.”

Up the street, Café Benelux is also gearing up for the convention, and assistant manager Andy Martel isn’t really concerned about locals potentially working remote. He explained that the district gets a decent amount of foot traffic anyway, and this coupled with the influx of hotel bookings is more than reassuring.

“The Third Ward is kind of a hotspot right now, so I think that people are going to be attracted to coming down here. … We’ll see probably an increase in foot traffic than on a normal day,” Martel said.

The restaurant will be operating as normal during the week, with the kitchen open until 10 p.m. As for the bar, Martel said that they are going to “play it by ear,” and see how busy it gets when determining how late to remain open. They still plan to err on the side of caution, and will be staffing up during the event.

The Social American Tavern sits right on the edge of the Third Ward. Director of food and beverage Bryan Hill is expecting an influx of customers due to the restaurant’s unique location. To prepare for the anticipated surge of business, they also will be staffing up.

“We’re on the edge of the security area. All the people that are in this area that wanted to go for lunch over there can’t get there, so they’re going to come and attack us for lunch,” Hill said.

To adjust for the convention, the restaurant will be extending its hours of operation. From Monday to Thursday, food service will be offered until midnight and the bar will remain open until 4 a.m.

A special happy hour has been set in place and will run through next week, with a hope to attract locals. Old Milwaukee beers such as Schlitz or Pabst Blue Ribbon will be available for $1.50 to $2. In addition, many specialty wines and liquors have been brought in and will be served during the week of the convention.

Colectivo already noticing more customers due to RNC

For a caffeine fix, Colectivo will likely be a popular destination. Manager Eric Brunner has already noticed an uptick in visitors from out of state and expects even more with the coming week.

“We’ve had people come in and comment on our accents,” he said.

“One guest came in today and ordered ten $15 gift certificates. They’re here from Pennsylvania and they’re giving it to their team for their benefit and to enjoy Colectivo on the road, ” Brunner said.

In preparation, the coffee shop will be stocking up on inventory and staffing more. Brunner is pleased at the prospect of more business generated by the convention and advises people to “lean into the hoopla.”

Club Charlie’s expresses uncertainty about RNC business

Some places are not as convinced that business will be brought in by the RNC. Club Charlie’s bartender Stefanique Franks thinks that visitors coming in for the event will likely stay in their “bubble,” and not venture out of the security zone. Club Charlie’s will be operating as normal with no changes planned.

While Franks doubts that convention attendees will find their way to Club Charlie’s, she has faith in regulars and does not think that road congestion will deter them from stopping by.

Ben & Jerry’s just can’t wait to open

One business is not yet operating but plans to the day before the convention. Ben & Jerry’s will have a soft opening on Sunday, and owners Fred and Tricia Rasmussen are thrilled to operate in the Third Ward. While they are unsure of what business the RNC will bring, they hope for the best.

“We have quickly learned that Milwaukee is the city of festivals, and whether it’s the RNC, or Summerfest or Harley Fest,” Fred Rasmussen said. “this is the place where people want to come and be happy.”