The Deep Groove − a new cafe and lounge replacing a longtime Brady Street business − will open in mid-October.
That’s according to co-owner Todd Dunsirn.
It’s located at 1200-1204 E. Brady St., the former home of Brady Street Futons. That business closed after more than 30 years at the corner of East Brady Street and North Frankline Place.
The new café and lounge will feature live music, a used vinyl boutique, and a menu influenced by the neighborhood’s Polish and Italian heritage.
Dunsirn and his wife and co-owner, Kim Forbeck, met and raised their kids in Milwaukee. They see The Deep Groove as an opportunity to give back to the community.
“We built this like a tribute to the city, its music scene, and its art scene,” Dunsirn said.
The couple’s musician son, Henry Dunsirn, will manage it.
A soft opening with coffee and bar service will take place over the first few weeks of its launch before phasing in other services and programming.
“We are always excited when new businesses choose Brady Street to be their home,” said Michelle Eigenberger, the Brady Street Business Improvement District board chair.
“We are particularly excited about the impact to daytime business that The Deep Groove will have,” Eigenberger told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Now that construction is complete, Dunsirn and Forbeck will work on the logistics of the business and finish minor renovations, such as creating a new entrance.
All the woodwork in The Deep Groove, including the bar, was handcrafted by Dunsirn with assistance from Henry and carpenter Fred Longreen. Forbeck designed, decorated, and painted the interior.
Also, they collaborated with Ultra Fidelis, a local home audio store, to plan and install the café’s audio system. It’s designed to balance sound throughout the space.
Dunsirn estimates the renovations cost around $200,000. An upgrade to the building’s electric system extended the timeline for the project.
“We wanted to see it stay true to its character and history, and not see it be too modernized or developing to something that doesn’t fit within the neighborhood,” Dunsirn said.
The two-story, 3,200-square-foot building was constructed in 1880. It originally hosted Sikorski Saloon and later housed Pat’s Bike Shop.
Forbeck and Dunsirn bought the building for $600,000 through their investment group, Emerald Needle LLC, according to a deed.
Forbeck worked at Urban Ecology Center for more than 20 years. Dunsirn operated an IT consulting business, True Process, for several years before selling it in 2018.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Brady Street Futons will be replaced by The Deep Groove cafe and lounge this fall
Reporting by Sofia Joseph, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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