I was fortunate to work with the team that did much of the public and media relations work that helped create Miller Park. It was fascinating and incredibly rewarding.
Someday, I hope to write a book (or at least a long-form feature) about all my Miller Park stories and escapades, but one stands out today as the Brewers release their annual "what’s new at Miller Park" news.
Of course, the big news in that annual report is that AJ Bombers will build a new restaurant location that will open for game days and nights within the stadium.
The restaurant and bar will occupy the outside space formerly known as the Plaza Pavilion, along the west side of Miller Park near the right field gate. Brats and hot dogs dominate at the ball park, but now we’ll have a great burger with our baseball, too. I was honored to write one of the very first stories about AJ Bombers initial location so it’s fitting that I wax on this news too. Last year, you’ll recall, Bombers opened at the Summerfest grounds.
Anyway, back to my story. I recall all the talk and negotiations around the to be open all year-long restaurant concept for the park that was to replace County Stadium. Many wanted a local operator, and good discussions were had with The Chancery and others. In the end, Friday’s won the lease and, I think, has provided a decent space and product. Yet, it’s left many longing for a local restaurant operator within Miller Park. Sure, there are many local products and people but now Bombers can fill a niche that many want to support. Local burgers and baseball, Milwaukee-style.
What can you expect at the Miller Park AJ Bombers? Co-founder Joe Sorge tells me there will be specials to match the local flavor of the opponents, Bombers’ signature custard, its egg rolls and tots but not the flying, diving "p-nut planes" that its Downtown Milwaukee locations boosts.
The space is being designed by Flux Design. Renderings of the space are in the photo scroll above.
Look for it to be ready by the home opener on March 31 vs. Atlanta. Ted Turner burger, anyone?
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
