Buttermint will be closing its doors at 4195 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood following a final service on Saturday, July 27.

The decision on the part of Black Shoe Hospitality to close the Shorewood location was not made lightly. But, after much consideration, owners Joe Muench, Jason Kerstein, Amy Kerstein and Dan Sidner determined that remaining open was no longer in the best interest of the restaurant group, which also operates Blue’s Egg, Maxie’s and Story Hill BKC.

”Buttermint has enjoyed success and recognition for its efforts,” notes Chef Muench. “But the hands-on management style of the ownership group is better served by keeping the footprint of the business smaller. Closing Buttermint will allow us to have a greater impact on our three west-side restaurants.”

Buttermint opened its doors on Oakland Avenue in December of 2021, following the closure of the highly anticipated Shorewood location of Blue’s Egg. And, over the course of nearly three years, the restaurant evolved based on the demands of the market, adjusting its offerings, pricing and operational hours to better accommodate the neighborhood.

“We have been very proud to serve Shorewood and the North Shore community, and we appreciate all the support we have received from our neighbors and friends over the last two and a half years,” noted Jason Kerstein, whose work in curating the restaurant’s beverage program earned the restaurant a 2024 Award of Excellence from “Wine Spectator”. 

In fact, guests can expect the same level of hospitality and high-quality food and beverage offerings that Buttermint has always delivered throughout the restaurant’s final two weeks of service.

Sidner says that numerous employees, including Holcomb, will remain with Black Shoe Hospitality and that all employees have been offered the opportunity to apply for positions at other locations.

“We could not be prouder of the team of individuals who have made Buttermint a special restaurant,” says Amy Kerstein. “We thank them all for their efforts, and we hope to employ as many of them as possible at our other restaurants.”

Once closed, the restaurant will be available as a turn-key operation. Sidner says Black Shoe will work with the property owners in Shorewood to find the right restaurateur for the space and continue the tradition of hospitality that Buttermint fostered.

In the meantime, through July 27, Buttermint will be open for dinner service Monday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., and brunch service on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reservations are available on TOCK, and walk-in guests are welcome as always. All gift cards and Best Guest Club points will be honored over the coming two weeks at Buttermint and indefinitely at Black Shoe sister restaurants: Maxie’s, Blue’s Egg, and Story Hill BKC.