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After over seven years in business, The Original, 2498 N. Bartlett Ave., observed its last evening of service on Saturday, June 28.
Co-owner Eric Rzepka confirmed the closure today by phone. “It was more abrupt than I would have liked,” he said, but noted that it was time.
Last fall, Rzepka had put the business up for sale, noting that he had another professional opportunity that he hoped to pursue. The plan was to keep the restaurant open until it sold, with the hope of finding someone interested in keeping the concept of The Original alive.
In the meantime, The Original made it through the holiday season and persisted on even after Chef Vinny Cornils, who had been their chef from the beginning, moved on to a new position with Caulfield’s Wine Bar in West Allis.
“We’re so happy that Vinny found his way over to Caulfields and that he’s doing well there. And I’m very appreciative of the people who’ve stuck with us throughout this period,” he says. “But it’s time for me to move on in a different direction.”
Give The Original a new life
The building which held The Original is currently for sale. The Shorewest listing (MLS#:1921582) showcases the property as a turnkey restaurant with rental properties above, with an asking price of $805,000.
While Rzepka says he’d much prefer to sell the property outright, he would also be open to conversations regarding a leasing agreement on the restaurant. Parties interested in pursuing a conversation can reach out to Eric Rzepka through a DM on The Original Facebook Page.
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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