The Elbow Room, the beloved Brookfield bar at 2850 N. Brookfield Rd. known for its casual fare, lively atmosphere and community-driven events, is expanding to Cedarburg. 

The ownership team, comprised of Milwaukee hospitality veterans Jake Dehne, Robert Jude and Jake’s brother Seth Dehne, announced today that they’ve acquired Galioto’s Twelve21, a longstanding destination at 1221 N. Wauwatosa Rd. well known for its cozy atmosphere and menu featuring dishes like rich onion soup, filet mignon and prime rib.

Galioto's, which observed its final service on Sept. 6, will reopen this fall as The Elbow Room Cedarburg, offering the same approachable mix of casual food, creative drinks and community-driven energy that has made the Brookfield bar a hit.

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Carrying on a legacy

The acquisition marks a meaningful transition for owners Dave and Meg Galioto, who are retiring from the hospitality industry after 40 memorable years of dining, banquets and annual volleyball leagues.

“We’re honored to carry on the legacy of Dave and Meg,” says Jake Dehne. “Our goal is to blend the established favorites from Galioto’s menu with the casual, crowd-pleasing vibe of The Elbow Room Brookfield.”

To facilitate a smooth ownership transition, the Galiotos plan to remain on hand on a consultancy basis, with Dave assisting in the kitchen and helping out with volleyball season when it begins again in 2026. Meg will offer her expertise in overseeing events and banquets.

Food, drinks & volleyball 

At The Elbow Room Cedarburg, guests can expect the same approachable fare that has made the Brookfield location a success — including smash burgers, wings and pizza — alongside beloved Galioto’s favorites. The team also plans to expand bourbon, tequila and wine offerings, drawing inspiration from both Brookfield and their nearby Sierzant Wine Bar.

Equally important, they’ll preserve what has made Galioto’s a community mainstay: sand volleyball leagues, private events and banquet services. Planned enhancements include refreshed event spaces, an expanded back patio and the addition of a large pergola with heating elements next year, a feature modeled after Brookfield.

“The Elbow Room concept has been a great success in Brookfield and I believe it will thrive here too,” says Seth Dehne, who lives in the area with his wife, Cedarburg native Lauren (Derocher) and their two daughters. “We want to create a place where people can gather for leagues, birthday celebrations, fundraisers or just a casual dinner.”

From Brookfield to Cedarburg

The Cedarburg opening is a natural next step for the team, who collectively bring more than 60 years of hospitality experience. Jake and Seth Dehne are no strangers to building nightlife staples, having previously owned Buckhead Saloon, Suite, Upper 90 Sports Pub and Have a Nice Day Café in Downtown Milwaukee. Jude, who has held leadership roles with The Bartolotta Restaurants, Lupe & Iris and Westmoor Country Club, adds fine dining and banquet expertise.

Together, the trio also operates RWB Milwaukee, The Lucky Clover Irish Pub and 90s2K Café, along with Cedarburg's Sierzant Wine Bar in partnership with Joe Nowack.

In the release announcing the news, the team extended their collective thanks to Jon Willems of Summit Credit Union in Cedarburg for supporting the acquisition.

Looking ahead

For Jake Dehne, the expansion represents a continuation of the vision that first drew him to open The Elbow Room in Brookfield: creating neighborhood gathering spots rooted in nostalgia and community connection.

Jude echoes his sentiments. “We want to be that neighborhood bar where people feel like home –whether you're stopping by after work, celebrating a birthday or hosting a fundraiser,” he says.

The Elbow Room Cedarburg is expected to open in late October, with a grand opening celebration to follow. Once open, the venue is expected to offer both lunch and dinner service seven days a week.