Campbell’s Irish Pub Closing

Campbell’s Irish Pub is closing after 22 years in business.

The southside bar, long known as Packy’s Pub, is located at 4068 S. Howell Ave.

The name change came as part of the bar being featured on Bar Rescue in 2014. Majority owner Patrick “Packy” Campbell, an Irish immigrant, doubled down on his heritage at the suggestion of show host Jon Taffer, expanding the Irish-themed food and drink offerings.

And as of 2016, things were going well. Campbell reported sales were up 74%.

But the bar and underlying property were listed for sale in 2017. Five years later, it sold.

It was purchased for $325,000 on April 7 by Guaves Homes LLC, which lists Hector Espinoza as its registered agent.

Espinoza told Urban Milwaukee that he wasn’t sure what he was going to do with the building, but it probably wouldn’t be a bar. He also owns and operates Guaves Landscaping Services.

The 0.27-acre property, technically two parcels, includes a 1,980-square-foot structure that houses the bar and a 1,240-square-foot service building to the south (4080 S. Howell Ave.). A parking lot spans the two parcels, and according to the listing, can hold 10 vehicles. A patio for the bar is included behind the building and still displays “Packy’s” signage.

A social media post says Wednesday is the last day Campell’s is serving wings. A goodbye party was held April 23.

Campbell, 57, owns 66% of his namesake tavern. Michael Swerdlow, 61, owns the remaining 33%. Swerdlow is listed as the registered agent on TPM LLC, the entity that owned the property.

The bar’s license was renewed earlier this year and is valid through April 2023. Any change in ownership would require a new application.

A newly formed company, 4068 S HOWELL AVE LLC, was established in February according to state records. Its registered agent is Ting Burazin. But despite the name, the company does not appear in any public records related to the bar.

The property was listed as a turnkey operation. “Updated and fully operating Southside pub is ready for an owner eager to reap immediate profits! Established clientele patronize large seating area with bathrooms and full kitchen. Full basement with 3 furnaces/central air units,” said the listing.

The bar is located in the Tippecanoe neighborhood, but the commercial corridor has more recently been branded as part of the broader Garden District. The tavern building, constructed in 1928 according to city assessment records, was previously home to Zyglo’s Tavern, Airport Inn, Arcana Cocktail Lounge and Ralph Richard’s Pub. In 1964 it was listed for sale or trade in the Milwaukee Journal. “Low down payment or will trade for brick or Lannon stone home ranch home,” said the classified advertisement.

The closure means no “rescued” bars can be found in Milwaukee. Packy’s follows the Y-Not III, which was remade by Bar Rescue in 2014 into Nick’s House and closed in 2016. The more than 125-year-old building was demolished and is now a grass lot.

No other Milwaukee taverns have been featured on the show, but new episodes continue to be filmed.

Campbell did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.

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