After 16 years serving up unique burgers, boozy shakes and p-nut bombs, AJ Bombers has announced that it will not be renewing its lease on the property at 1247 N. Water St. Instead, the restaurant will be closing it doors in late 2025.
But before the doors close, Bensons Restaurant Group will be hosting celebrations to commemorate the iconic menu, history and decor.
“AJ Bombers has been a cornerstone in the Milwaukee community for the past 16 years, and it’s beloved by so many, including myself,” notes David Marcus, CEO of Marcus Investments and owner of Benson’s Restaurant Group. “This decision wasn’t an easy one, but it’s one that made the most business sense for our restaurant group as we look to the future.
“Rest assured, for the next few months, we’ll be celebrating in style – expect tributes to our claims to fame, nods to previously retired menu items and so much more. While bittersweet, we look forward to giving this historic brand a fitting send-off, with the help from the community.”
A memorable burger brand
It was 2009 when AJ Bombers opened with a bang under the ownership of Hospitality Democracy, and established national acclaim when it won best burger on the Travel Channels “Food Wars” in 2010. Known for its incredible social media presence, the burger brand became a go-to destination for unique burgers, boozy shakes and p-nut bombs delivered directly to each table.
The news of the closing follows Benson’s Restaurant’s Group’s announcements that it has partnered with both Milwaukee Athletic Club and Sandhilll Tree Farm for catering and events. It's part of an overall focus on growth in catering, events and a larger restaurant footprint and outdoor space amenities for The Bridgewater Modern Grill, The Edison, Onesto, Smoke Shack and Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria.
All current AJ Bombers employees will have the opportunity to transfer to other Benson’s Restaurant Group restaurants when AJ Bombers closes.
More details will be announced on AJ Bombers’ goodbye celebrations as they develop.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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