Former Southside Club Could Reopen as Sports Bar

A seasoned entrepreneur, Lechuga has experience at businesses from hair salons to hot dog carts. She and her husband, Jose, also operate Ma’chuggy’s tavern at 3173 S. 13th St.

While the couple has owned the 11th Street building for more than a decade, Lechuga leased the tavern space to several different operators. The latest, Club 69, closed in May.

During its two-year tenure, Club 69 drew frequent complaints of “illegal and dangerous activity,” including alleged gunplay and drug deals. The conflict came to a head last fall when neighbors brought a revocation case against the bar, ultimately leading the city to suspend the business’s license for 90 days.

“There were significant problems,” said attorney Michael Maistelman, who represented Club 69 at the revocation hearing. He also appeared before the committee on June 9 as counsel for Lechuga.

After its hiatus, Club 69 returned with a new safety plan and Lechuga behind the bar. “She became involved after the suspension,” Maistelman said, noting that no further issues arose after she became an employee.

Under her management, Lechuga is hopeful the business will be a positive development for the neighborhood. “It’s going to be way different,” she said.

In addition to interior renovations, Lechuga is installing more lighting on the premises and is partnering with the nonprofit Your Move MKE to beautify an adjacent alley.

Two neighbors attended the June 9 hearing in opposition, citing “a proven track record of issues” at the business. Despite their objections, committee members voted to recommend approval for the sports bar’s licenses.

“Although I’m critical of her property ownership … I think [Club 69] was a wakeup call,” said area Alderman José G. Pérez, calling Lechuga’s proposal a “last-chance opportunity to get it right.”

“We hope that there are no more issues moving forward,” he added.

Alderman Peter Burgelis abstained from the vote, which passed with support from Alders JoCasta Zamarripa, Andrea Pratt and DiAndre Jackson. The Milwaukee Common Council will make a final decision on the matter next week.

If approved, proposed hours of operation for Macrina’s are 6 p.m. to midnight daily.