A Water Street Boost, Trinity No Longer For Sale
Ownership reverses course on property sale, announces new menu, expanded hours and investments in Water Street business.
1128-1144 N. Edison St. Photo taken on September 4, 2020 by Mariiana Tzotcheva.
Four months after putting one of downtown Milwaukee’s largest bars up for sale, Water Street Brewery Group is reversing course.
The company announced Thursday that Trinity Three Irish Pubs, 125 E. Juneau Ave., is officially off the market. Instead of selling the sprawling entertainment complex, the Schmidt family plans to invest in the business with an expanded food menu, longer hours and building improvements.
The decision comes just over two months after the death of Robert C. “R.C.” Schmidt Jr., the hospitality entrepreneur who built the business and helped transform Water Street into one of Milwaukee’s premier nightlife destinations.
Schmidt, who died Sept. 1 at age 76, was already in poor health when the company announced plans in July to sell Trinity and the nearby Vagabond restaurant property.
Now, with his son Matt Schmidt leading the business, the family is recommitting to Trinity, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
“Our family has been part of Milwaukee’s hospitality community for over 50 years, and our commitment to Water Street remains strong,” said Matt Schmidt, CEO and COO of Water Street Brewery Group, in a statement. “Taverns, pubs, and restaurants have helped shape Milwaukee’s identity for generations. We recognize the challenges Water Street has faced, but we believe in its future.”
Schmidt credited customer support for reinforcing the company’s confidence in Trinity.
The changes will begin Thursday, Nov. 19, when Trinity introduces an expanded menu featuring Irish-inspired dishes, including Reuben rolls, shepherd’s pie croquettes and Guinness-braised pot roast sliders. The offerings will also include burgers, sandwiches and specialty pub pizzas.
The bar is also expanding its weekend hours, opening at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Other improvements include new booth seating, more than 35 televisions and live music every Saturday. The complex, which includes three distinct bars — Gallagher’s, Duffy’s and Callen’s — will continue to offer pool, darts and other games.
The investments are intended to broaden Trinity’s appeal beyond its traditional role as a nightlife destination.
The reversal follows a period of uncertainty for the family’s extensive hospitality holdings and the Water Street bar district.
In July, The Barry Company announced that it would market both Trinity and the nearby Vagabond property, 1122 N. Edison St. The listings came as Vagabond prepared to close after nearly 12 years in business.
Trinity continued operating while its property was marketed for sale.
The former Vagabond restaurant and adjoining warehouse remain available for sale through The Barry Company, according to Thursday’s announcement.
The Schmidt family has controlled the Trinity property since 1991 through an affiliated limited liability company, according to city assessment records. The approximately 15,000-square-foot building dates to 1929.
R.C. Schmidt assembled a hospitality empire over five decades, beginning with RC’s Beer Garden on the East Side in 1974. He opened Water Street Brewery in 1987, helping establish a then-emerging downtown entertainment district.
His holdings eventually grew to include Trinity, The Harp Irish Pub, Louise’s Trattoria, Vagabond and numerous other establishments. The business is now operated by his son, Matt.
The company’s remaining portfolio includes The Harp Irish Pub, The Brewery and Water Street Brewery locations in Oak Creek, Delafield and Grafton.
Downtown hospitality leaders welcomed the announcement, portraying it as a positive sign for a Water Street corridor that has faced challenges in recent years.
“This is fantastic news for downtown Milwaukee and a tremendous vote of confidence in the future of one of our most popular entertainment districts,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee.
Matt Dorner, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21, pointed to Trinity’s reinvestment, along with the recent opening of High Stakes by Bartolotta and other establishments.
“These investments demonstrate Water Street’s resilience and strengthen its continued growth and evolution,” said Dorner.
The Water Street entertainment district has been plagued with violence and loitering in recent years. Silk on Water announced a multi-month “temporary” closure in late August and Duke’s on Water closed in May. In addition to High Stakes, Uppa Yard recently opened on the street.
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