New Tavern to Replace Bay View’s Old Skoolz

Site of proposed tavern The House, 1100 E. Potter Ave. Photo taken Jan. 27, 2025 by Scotty Mann.

School’s out. Forever.

Bay View‘s Old Schoolz, a retro-themed corner bar, quietly closed in 2023 after two years of operation. A new tavern, The House, is now proposed for the space at 1100 E. Potter Ave.

Owner-operator Candice Loveday recently filed a license application for the business, noting plans to revitalize the tavern space with drinks, dancing, snacks and entertainment.

The 540-square-foot tavern is centered around a large wraparound bar, with additional seating at tables and an entertainment area designated for DJs and karaoke, according to a submitted floor plan.

While The House won’t have a kitchen, guests can fill up on pre-made snacks like garlic bread and frozen pizza with toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, and cheese. According to the application, alcohol sales are expected to account for 80% of revenue, with the remaining 20% split evenly between food and entertainment.

Loveday, a veteran bartender, lists an anticipated opening in February, pending approval from the Milwaukee Common Council. City records indicate no plans for renovations to the 1890s building, currently owned by Todd Sokolowski.

The previous business, Old Skoolz, opened in 2021 under Timmy Wishman. The bar closed without announcement or explanation. Prior to Old Skoolz, the building was occupied by another tavern, Victoria’s On Potter.

Once open, The House is proposed to operate Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to the license application.

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

Existing members must be signed in to see the interactive map. Sign in.