Wioletta’s Polish Kitchen is opening Oct. 15 in Oak Creek.
That’s according to owner Adam Bartoszek, who said he’s been looking forward to bringing authentic Polish food back to the area following the 2022 closure of Polonez in St. Francis.
The new restaurant, which takes over the former Applebee’s space at 7135 S. 13th St., will open for dinner service from 3 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The Applebee’s closed in May 2025.
Bartoszek also operates Wioletta’s Polish Market at 3955 S. Howell Ave. in Milwaukee with his wife, Wioletta Bartoszek, and their children Samantha and Oliver.
When asked about hours going forward, Bartoszek said it will be a few weeks of “getting things dialed in and adding additional staff.” He said he eventually plans to offer lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
When asked if he’ll offer any specials, Bartoszek simply said, “Everything we make is special.”
Originally planning to open on Milwaukee Avenue in South Milwaukee, Bartoszek said it was the May 8 article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel announcing Applebee’s closure that, in part, led to him changing his plans.
“Oak Creek was fabulous to work with; everyone was helpful and kept the process moving so smoothly,” Bartoszek said.
The Oak Creek building is 4,700 square feet, which is nearly double the size of the space he was considering in South Milwaukee, Bartoszek said.
Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: ‘Everything we make is special’: Wioletta’s Polish Kitchen opening Oct. 15 in Oak Creek
Reporting by Erik S. Hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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