Upscale Galleria restaurant and server training center aims to bring new life to Northridge Lakes area
Northridge Lakes neighborhood, an area just east of the longtime shuttered Northridge Mall, might see some new life with Upscale Galleria restaurant, event space and service industry training center, which is looking to make a 3,000-square-foot spot its home.
The concept comes from Milwaukee entrepreneur Ebony Walker, who is a business consultant, director of operations at Behind the Scenes staffing agency, and resources director at Hope House Milwaukee.
The space, at 6800 W. Brown Deer Road, was formerly a Schlotzsky's Deli and then Rey's Café sandwich shop, which closed last year.
The restaurant would be not only a spot for locals to gather for food and cocktails, but also for neighborhood residents to learn service industry skills.
"We have a team that is experienced in culinary arts and bartending, and we have experience in training, so we're qualified to teach people this and help elevate our local dining community," Walker said. "Being a business consultant, I have been in the background helping people open bars, and I'm excited to do it myself now."
Restaurant would offer bartending training
The server and bartending program would help students get a Class D bartenders license from the City of Milwaukee, she said. Students then could enroll in paid classes, offered at a cheaper rate for Milwaukee County residents, to learn how to pour drinks and make cocktails.
Additional training would include "reality based" training at Upscale Galleria, where students could be hired depending on job availability. Walker's hope, however, is for students to take their skills to other bars and restaurants in the area.
She said she'd also coordinate with Milwaukee Area Technical College so recent graduates can gain experience in Upscale Galleria's kitchen and contribute to the menu.
The restaurant plans to serve diverse cuisine
Walker is aiming for a June 1 opening. She said the restaurant will feature food with diverse cuisine, a full cocktail menu and live music.
She plans to serve breakfast, brunch and dinner. An event space could be used for everything from book clubs to celebrations.
Walker got the idea for Upscale Galleria when she visited Atlanta and came upon her favorite restaurant, Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint.
"I teared up when I was there because of the live jazz music and essence in the room and great food and everyone having a great time," Walker said. "There isn't anything quite like my favorite restaurant here, so I thought I would bring it to Milwaukee myself."
Another part of improving the area is cleaning up the outside. Walker has worked with the property owner to create plans for a garden where they can harvest fresh fruit and vegetables for menu items.
She also is working with neighborhood partners to clean up a stream behind the property that connects Northridge Lake to the Milwaukee River.
Perkins Boyz on the Grill expands
Neighboring Perkins Boyz on The Grill has also recently expanded, attracting more customers to the area.
According to social media, the restaurant acquired a space next door to run a venue and private events space.
Perkins Boyz on the Grill was not able to immediately respond to a request for comment due to a family emergency.
Sign up for our Dish newsletter to get food and dining news delivered to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Milwaukee restaurant Upscale Galleria to open in Northridge Lakes
