Engine Company No. 3, 217 W. National Ave., has announced that they will offer their final brunch service on Sunday, Dec. 31.
Owner Peter and Sonia Sandroni have been serving brunch and hosting events in the historic renovated firehouse since 2014. But, after nine years, they have made the decision to dedicate more time to family and work-life balance.
The Sandronis shared the news in their latest email newsletter, which reads:
"After 9 great years and an amazing journey, we are sad to say goodbye to our brunch service at Engine Company No3, but happy to say hello to an event only space. We have decided that it is time for us to take a step back and spend more time as a family as we continue our own path.
"Our brunch adventure allowed us to meet amazing people from all over the world. Our most treasured gift has always been and always will be our customers, the regulars, the families we saw grow, farmers and of course our wonderful staff.
"A restaurant wouldn’t have a life without an amazing staff, each and every one of them have made Engine Company No. 3 what it is, and have given all of us another family; our Engine family. We can never stop saying THANK YOU and how much we appreciate all of them.
"Engine Company No.3 will serve brunch until December 31st, 2023. After January 1st, 2024 Engine Company No. 3 will be only used as an event space and for special occasions.
"Customers will have the chance to redeem any outstanding gift cards at Engine Company No.3 by Dec 31st during brunch, but if you can’t make it in, gift cards can also be used for any of our special events (wine dinners, etc.) or at La Merenda, our sister restaurant.
"We invite you to come and support our Engine Company No. 3 crew to finish strong, and get your favorites throughout the month of December.
“Every life is a story. Thank you for being part of our story.”
– Peter and Sonia Sandroni
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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