THE BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANTS ACQUIRES FULL OWNERSHIP OF MILWAUKEE’S HARBOR HOUSE RESTAURANT

July 27, 2022

MILWAUKEE – The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant and catering organization in the Greater Milwaukee region, has acquired the full ownership of the iconic New England-style seafood restaurant Harbor House. Previously, Harbor House had been jointly owned by The Bartolotta Restaurants and The Endeavors Group, headed by the late Michael Cudahy, visionary entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist.

Michael Cudahy purchased the entity which held the lease and its improvements in 2009, and he hoped to partner with a restaurant owner dedicated to excellence, who shared his vision for service to community and employees. He found that partner in The Bartolotta Restaurants with Joe and Paul Bartolotta. Together they set out to design, build, and operate one of the finest restaurants in Milwaukee. In the process Joe Bartolotta and Michael Cudahy formed a very special relationship. With Joe’s passing in 2019 and Michael’s in 2022, the time was right for transition to a new ownership structure.

“We are forever grateful to Mike Cudahy for his unwavering partnership,” said The Bartolotta Restaurants Owner and Co-Founder, Paul Bartolotta. “Because of his belief in us, we had the opportunity to open Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant; partner with Discovery World as its exclusive caterer; and develop, operate and partner at Harbor House.

Added Bartolotta: “As we reflect with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation on Mike and my beloved brother Joe, we carry the immense responsibility to build upon the legacy of these two Milwaukee giants, who made a lasting impact in the community by protecting, preserving, and enhancing the city’s most valuable asset – our beautiful Lakefront.

“We would also like to thank the City of Milwaukee, the Board of Harbor Commissioners and Port Milwaukee staff for their continued support and trust placed in The Bartolotta

Restaurants as stewards of Harbor House. We are grateful to have the honor to continue delivering service to Harbor House guests from our community and visitors alike.”

Located on the picturesque Lake Michigan waterfront adjacent to the famed Discovery World science and technology center, Harbor House features an indoor dining room and bar, with an outdoor patio boasting spectacular views of the lakefront and surrounding city. It consistently welcomes visitors from the region and beyond. With a seafood selection flown in daily from both coasts, Harbor House is consistently ranked among Milwaukee’s top restaurants, earning accolades for its menu offerings and its extensive wine list, which has garnered Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence annually since 2017.

“As the time for transition has arrived, we are exceedingly pleased to hand the baton to Paul Bartolotta and the Bartolotta team, knowing that there is no one better to lead Harbor House into the future. On behalf of Mike Cudahy, I would like to thank all the employees of Harbor House, past and present, for all they have done to make this a great restaurant, and I thank the community for its patronage,” said Kevin Lindsey, Manager of The Endeavors Group.

Bryan Wunar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery World commented, “Mike Cudahy had a vision for the lakefront that included both Discovery World and Harbor House, and he brought that vision to reality. We are excited to carry his legacy forward together with The Bartolotta Restaurants, our partner at Discovery World since 2006, to further our love and commitment to the Milwaukee community. We look forward to a bright future along the waterfront.”

“Harbor House is a staple of Milwaukee hospitality and a gem of the Port’s lakefront property ownings. With The Bartolotta Restaurants at the helm, Harbor House provides joy, fun, and is a special way to access Lake Michigan,” said Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Director of Port Milwaukee. “Port Milwaukee is pleased to continue its partnership with The Bartolotta Restaurant via this acquisition, and the Port looks forward to many more years of good times at Harbor House on America’s Fresh Coast.”

Harbor House is open Wednesdays through Mondays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. lunch service on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays. Reservations can be made via the Harbor House website. More information about The Bartolotta Restaurants portfolio and its menus can be found at bartolottas.com.

About The Bartolotta Restaurants

The Bartolotta Restaurants is a nationally recognized restaurant and catering organization co-founded by four-time nominated and two-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta and his late brother, Joe Bartolotta. Since the opening of its flagship restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, The Bartolotta Restaurants group has grown to become the premier culinary brand in the Greater Milwaukee region, offering first class service and cuisine across a portfolio of 17 one-of-a-kind restaurants and catering facilities, including fine dining, upscale casual, upscale food hall, and quick- casual concepts. 

Media contact

pr@bartolottas.com