Site of former Fuel Cafe, 630 S. 5th St. Photo taken Feb. 17, 2024 by Sophie Bolich.

Fuel Cafe has an empty tank. The biker-themed bar and restaurant at 630 S. 5th St. abruptly closed its doors on Sunday, marking the end of a 32-year run in Milwaukee.

Management confirmed the closure to Urban Milwaukee on Monday morning, but declined further comment. The update followed an unofficial report from former employees on social media over the weekend.

Opened in 1993, Fuel spent its early years as a Riverwest staple, serving coffee, sandwiches and baked goods in a gritty, punk-rock-inspired setting at 818 E. Center St., now home to The Daily Bird.

In 2017, founders Leslie Montemurro and Scott Johnson expanded with a second, more polished location in Walker’s Point, which opened in partnership with Kristyn O’Laughlin and Noe Zamora.

The newer, larger location embraced a motorcycle theme, inspired by the nearby Harley-Davidson Museum and The Iron Horse Hotel. It eventually became the sole Fuel Cafe, following the pandemic-era closure of the flagship location in Riverwest.

Throughout its eight years in business, the Walker’s Point restaurant offered an American-style menu including smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, cauliflower wings and more, as well as brunch staples like biscuits and gravy, French toast and “Bacon Crack”—thick-cut, double-smoked bacon glazed with brown sugar and fresh-cracked pepper.

It also featured a full bar program and doubled as a café, with an espresso bar offering counter service and a coffee menu for sit-down diners.

Ownership shifted in 2022, when Montemurro and Johnson stepped away from the brand, transferring full ownership to O’Laughlin, who remains the sole owner and operator, according to a license renewal application filed in January.

The transition was part of a broader reshuffling of the partners’ brands: O’Laughlin also took over BelAir Cantina and Finks, while Montemurro and Johnson continue to lead Hi-Hat Lounge and Hi-Hat Garage, with O’Laughlin as part owner. Montemurro and Johnson also previously operated Balzac, which closed in 2023.

Fuel Cafe’s closure came at an unexpected time, given the business’s long-standing enthusiasm for the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show, which takes place annually in February. Fuel, which was recently named one of the eight best U.S. coffee shops and cafes for motorcyclists, is known for hosting an annual pre-party for the event.

The 2025 pre-party will instead take place on Feb. 20 at the Hi-Hat Garage, according to a social media post.

The Walker’s Point location, once an industrial building, was redeveloped into commercial and office space in 2015. Another tenant, Juiced previously operated in an adjacent storefront to Fuel, but closed in December 2024. The business no longer has a physical storefront, but continues to sell online and partner with local retailers for distribution.

O’Laughlin did not respond to a request for comment.

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Site of former Fuel Cafe, 630 S. 5th St. Photo taken Feb. 17, 2024 by Sophie Bolich.

Fuel Cafe has an empty tank. The biker-themed bar and restaurant at 630 S. 5th St. abruptly closed its doors on Sunday, marking the end of a 32-year run in Milwaukee.

Management confirmed the closure to Urban Milwaukee on Monday morning, but declined further comment. The update followed an unofficial report from former employees on social media over the weekend.

Opened in 1993, Fuel spent its early years as a Riverwest staple, serving coffee, sandwiches and baked goods in a gritty, punk-rock-inspired setting at 818 E. Center St., now home to The Daily Bird.

In 2017, founders Leslie Montemurro and Scott Johnson expanded with a second, more polished location in Walker’s Point, which opened in partnership with Kristyn O’Laughlin and Noe Zamora.

The newer, larger location embraced a motorcycle theme, inspired by the nearby Harley-Davidson Museum and The Iron Horse Hotel. It eventually became the sole Fuel Cafe, following the pandemic-era closure of the flagship location in Riverwest.

Throughout its eight years in business, the Walker’s Point restaurant offered an American-style menu including smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, cauliflower wings and more, as well as brunch staples like biscuits and gravy, French toast and “Bacon Crack”—thick-cut, double-smoked bacon glazed with brown sugar and fresh-cracked pepper.

It also featured a full bar program and doubled as a café, with an espresso bar offering counter service and a coffee menu for sit-down diners.

Ownership shifted in 2022, when Montemurro and Johnson stepped away from the brand, transferring full ownership to O’Laughlin, who remains the sole owner and operator, according to a license renewal application filed in January.

The transition was part of a broader reshuffling of the partners’ brands: O’Laughlin also took over BelAir Cantina and Finks, while Montemurro and Johnson continue to lead Hi-Hat Lounge and Hi-Hat Garage, with O’Laughlin as part owner. Montemurro and Johnson also previously operated Balzac, which closed in 2023.

Fuel Cafe’s closure came at an unexpected time, given the business’s long-standing enthusiasm for the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show, which takes place annually in February. Fuel, which was recently named one of the eight best U.S. coffee shops and cafes for motorcyclists, is known for hosting an annual pre-party for the event.

The 2025 pre-party will instead take place on Feb. 20 at the Hi-Hat Garage, according to a social media post.

The Walker’s Point location, once an industrial building, was redeveloped into commercial and office space in 2015. Another tenant, Juiced previously operated in an adjacent storefront to Fuel, but closed in December 2024. The business no longer has a physical storefront, but continues to sell online and partner with local retailers for distribution.

O’Laughlin did not respond to a request for comment.

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