Since Dec. 18, 2016, Hamburger Mary’s has been serving burgers, mimosas and bodacious Milwaukee drag at 730 S. 5th St. But all good things must come to an end.  

Earlier today, the restaurant’s Facebook page announced the Walker’s Point location will close on Sunday, July 28, following the sale of the complex. 

In 2023, Hamburger Mary’s closed the Beercade side of the business as well as the Arcade Bar – later known as Hunty’s Social Club – and put the building up for sale. Recently, a buyer stepped forward to purchase not only the corner unit, but the entire complex. According to owners Brandon and Ashley Wright, “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse.”  

“Without a doubt, our biggest challenge was surviving 2020,” said co-owner Ashley Wright. “So many restaurants suffered and/or closed.”

“In fact, we closed Mary’s Arcade Bar during the pandemic because people didn’t want to play video games after so many other people touched them. Maybe hard to believe now, but those were different times. We rebranded as Hunty’s Social Club, but it never really took off. Eventually, we closed Hunty’s and listed the buildings for sale, due to lack of business and shortage of staff.”

The Wrights are optimistic this is less of a “closing” and more of a “we’ll be back soon.”

“We don’t have a specific neighborhood in mind,” said Wright. “We’ve enjoyed being in Walker’s Point, but we loved Bay View before that. Milwaukee has so many great neighborhoods. We’re looking for something that just feels right, with foot traffic and a great atmosphere.”

“We’ll miss the street festivals we used to have on 5th Street,” said Wright, “and the monthly tea dances on the rooftop patio. Those were a lot of fun. I doubt we’ll find another place with an amazing rooftop.”

After nearly five years at their original Bay View address, Hamburger Mary’s closed temporarily in 2016 before reopening in Walker’s Point. (The long-running Chicago location, however, closed permanently in November 2020 after 14 years in Andersonville.)

Hamburger Mary’s has a long and colorful history, dating back to San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, where the original location opened in April 1972. After July 28, there will be 10 locations remaining in the United States, including West Hollywood, Ontario, Long Beach, Denver, Jacksonville, Orlando, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Toledo and Dallas.

While Hamburger Mary’s searches for a new home, customers are encouraged to follow the business on Instagram and Facebook for updates.  Reservations through July 28 can be made at the Hamburger Mary’s website.  

“We’d like to thank our staff and our entertainers, who really made this a magical place,” said Wright, “and we hope you’ll meet us at our destination soon.”

“Until then, remember to eat, drink, and BE MARY!”