Wayfinder, the East Side establishment located at 2108 N. Farwell Ave., will pivot to a dedicated events-focused model. Owners Mike and Joan Doble announced the shift on Wednesday. While the primary dining room will no longer offer daily service, the Rooftop, a casual, open-air bar is set to reopen Memorial Day 2026 weekend.

In a heartfelt announcement, Centro Café located at 808 E. Center Street, a beloved establishment in Riverwest known for its housemade pasta and craft cocktails, has officially closed its doors after 17 remarkable years. The closure was confirmed through a voicemail greeting from owners Pat and Peg. The owners did not share a clear reason for the clsoure.

Wioletta’s Polish Kitchen took over the old Applebee's space on south 13th street. Wioletta’s Polish Kitchen closed on April 26 of 2026, after they were bought out by Golden Honey Pancakes & Cafe. According to Fredrich, Wioletta’s had been struggling with staffing issues and a lack of business during the warm months.

Owner Brittany Wohlfiel cites a “major mechanical failure which has made it unsafe to continue operating” as the reason for the closure.

The pastry chefs behind the business cited economic factors including the price of goods, labor and utilities.

Posted on the restaurant's Facebook page, Rare said the team was ""evaluating the best long-term path for the location and the brand"" and urged diners to visit its sister outpost in Madison instead. After the sudden closure, Rare was sued by its land­lord in con­nec­tion with the res­taur­ant’s plans to close four years before the lease expires.

Biggby Coffee opened in November 2024. It replaced a Starbucks that operated for 20 years.The franchise owners did not provide a specific reason for the closure.

Brookfield Café Manna closed its doors on March 14 after 18 years of business. Fredrich says the restaurant was among the first in the area to offer a fully vegetarian menu and an emphasis on sustainable practices, at a time when few others cared.

The reason for the closure is unknown. Possible insights into the closure include Property owner JD Commercial Properties LLC having $100,000 in outstanding taxes dating back to 2022, according to the City of Milwaukee treasurer’s office. John “Jake” Taylor, the LLC’s registered agent, is incarcerated in a supervised living facility as a result of driving under the influence, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections website reveals.

After 52 years serving the East Side, Beans & Barley has closed. Current owners James Neumeyer and Polly Kaplan confirmed the closure and shared that the decision was shaped by both financial pressures and the sale of the building.

Clarity on Pomona Cidar Co. closing still looms but according to serveral news sources, the reason may be related to license & permit challenges.

After 15 years, The National Café is closing. Reasons for the closing includes slowing business which contributed to financial challenges for the the long time café.

The Landing left a message for the plublic stating "After 15 years in business, The Landing Food & Spirits has closed for good, due to Retirement!! Thanks to all our loyal customers"

After 13 years in business, Bavette la Boucherie is closing. The owner stated "The reason for this decision is a personal one. After many years of dedication to the restaurant, I am ready to step back and spend more time with my family—time that has become increasingly precious"