In Oconomowoc, a tank of fuel won’t be the only way you can fill ‘er up at one local gas station beginning this fall.
A new beer and wine bar will open inside the Summit Avenue BP service station store. The city has granted a malted beverage and wine spirits liquor license to Devena Morrissy on behalf of Pub Summit, a 751-square-foot, seven-seat bar in Suite 200 at 1004 Summit Ave.
According to the business plan submitted as part of the liquor license application, the bar will operate from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily in a newly remodeled section of the building that shares a wall with the tunnel-style car wash at the gas station and store. It will serve pre-made bar food as well as beer and wine for onsite consumption.
The space, on the southwest corner of the brick building near Old Tower Road, will have its own exterior entryway. The interior door on the wall separating the bar from BP’s retail liquor space must remained locked, a requirement of the building’s second liquor license, according to city documents.
Jay Walia, the owner of the BP gas station, spoke briefly before the Oconomowoc Common Council on Sept. 2. He told city officials he needs to finish a few minor details, including parking lot work, before the tavern opens in 30 to 45 days.
Aldermen, who unanimously approved the license, weren’t concerned about the license or business plan itself, though one encouraged Walia to make sure the property sees some aesthetic improvements.
“It has kind of been a spot in the center of my district that needs some TLC,” Charles Shellpeper said. “It needs some work, and I hope this (tavern approval) helps you get to that spot.”
Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com.
This story has been updated to add video.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A beer and wine bar called Pub Summit to open inside BP gas station building in Oconomowoc
Reporting by Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
