New Owners For Garfield’s 502

Garfield’s 502. Photo taken Feb. 1, 2022 by Cari Taylor-Carlson.

Opened nearly 20 years ago in the Bronzeville neighborhood, Garfield’s 502 has been a popular place in the area for comfort food, casual drinks, live music and community events.

More than just a place to unwind, the business at 502 W. Garfield Ave. is a “home away from home” for many regulars, who know it wouldn’t be the same without the leadership and passion of its owner, Jewel Currie.

“It just epitomizes who he was as a human being, just the relationships he built, the connection he had to the community,” said Currie’s son, Brandon. “My father created this tradition of love and support, and if you walk in the space, you feel that with the individuals that are there.”

The elder Currie passed away in November, leaving the business to his family. Now, Brandon Currie is set to take ownership and is determined to carry on his father’s legacy. His first act is a symbolic one — swapping the name Garfield’s 502 for Jewel’s 502.

“My hope is to have the business live on in his memory,” Brandon said, noting that he’s avoiding making any major changes to the establishment, situated on a quiet corner just two blocks from bustling King Drive.

“We want to make sure that we continue to maintain that culture of being embedded in the community and offering a welcoming environment.”

He’ll also keep the core menu intact, with comforting classics like burgers, pork chop sandwiches, catfish, and fried okra, while possibly adding a few new dishes.

The 6,857-square-foot interior of Garfield’s was recently renovated, but Brandon said the exterior and large outdoor patio — a key gathering spot during the summer months — are nearly due for an upgrade.

“We’ll keep it going as is for a while, but there will be some small tweaks and updates once we get things situated and moving forward.”

He emphasized that, while the business will continue to evolve, its place in the community will remain a constant. “We don’t want to make too many changes, so people will still get that great experience,” Brandon said. “We’re just looking to grow the business in honor of [my father].”

Garfield’s, soon to be Jewel’s, will be Brandon’s first venture into the restaurant industry, but he brings a background in both entrepreneurship and service to the community. “I’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit, just like my father,” said Brandon, who leads the nonprofit STRYV365 and owns a tennis facility in Indianapolis.

It’s a fitting resume for the younger Currie — Jewel was an accomplished athlete in his youth, making history as the first Black tennis player to win the City Conference Singles Championship. A graduate of Rufus King High School, he was deeply involved in the Milwaukee community, as a business owner, as well as a volunteer and philanthropist.

Brandon shared his gratitude for Garfield’s employees, who have helped ease the transition, as well as loyal customers. “I just want to thank everyone for their love and everything they’ve done for my father,” he said. “Let’s continue to honor his legacy as we move forward.”

For more information and upcoming events, visit the business’s Facebook page.

Photos

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