The fate of the former East Side Red Dot, 2498 N Bartlett Ave., still hangs in the balance. In fact, as of today, the restaurant building is for sale.
Last July, we reported that owner Martin Beaudoin had made the decision to close the popular East Side spot, famous for its Canadian style poutine. Beaudoin indicated he simply had too many plates spinning, and he needed to refocus his attention on the expansion of the Wauwatosa Red Dot, 6715 W. North Ave.
At the time, Beaudoin noted that he was entertaining an offer from a few former employees of Red Dot, who were contemplating reopening the restaurant under the same concept. However, in a phone conversation Friday he said they were unable to come to terms.
"Right now, I’m selling the building," Beaudoin said. "But I’m also open to the idea of selling the business concept, as well. It’s just a matter of whether or not we find the right fit."
The building is currently for sale through Coldwell Banker.
According to the listing, the location is a "True turn key restaurant/bar on Milwaukee's East Side. Capacity 160 (99 inside, 61 outside). Seller has made numerous updates to the establishment during his ownership incl, kitchen, furnaces, water heater, plumbing and electric. Brand new tear off roof. Architecture designed patio added last year. There are two rental units upstairs. 1 bedroom ($675/mo) and a 2 bedroom ($800/mo). The restaurant has seating for 60, with additional seating for 15 at the beautiful Art Deco bar. Security system included."
Interested parties can contact the listing agent, Paige Schmidt at (414) 379-7264.
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.
