Milwaukee Chophouse

ChopHouse

A Modern American ChopHouse – Steaks, Chops, Style

The ChopHouse brand was originally created in 2002 and introduced at the Hilton Milwaukee. In a city that housed many successful traditional steakhouses, our concept was the first upscale contemporary steakhouse. The restaurant's a-la-carte options, tender steaks, fresh seafood and attentive service, presented in a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, have enabled the ChopHouse brand to maintain its leading position not only in Milwaukee, but in several other markets as well.

Creating the Concept

  • The Hilton Milwaukee was in need of a branded restaurant to improve revenue and create a destination within the local community.
  • Marcus Hotels & Resorts created the ChopHouse brand in 2002; the modern look was carried through in the design, uniforms, music, art, dinnerware, tabletop and other elements.
  • The restaurant was strategically placed at the street level of the hotel next to the main entrance for maximum visibility and accessibility by guests and local diners.
  • As a result of enthusiastic customer acceptance and strong performance, the ChopHouse concept was introduced at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, and the Hilton Bloomington.

Results

  • The strategy of targeting local and hotel guests has enabled the ChopHouse to achieve an ongoing prominent position within the Milwaukee dining market. Milwaukee ChopHouse increased hotel revenues by 50% in its first year and remains a key competitor in the market today with a #4 consumer ranking among all Milwaukee restaurants.
  • The Capitol ChopHouse increased revenues by 65% after it launched in 2003 and is currently recognized as the best "power lunch" location in the city. It is also the top rated steakhouse in downtown Madison.
  • Revenues at the Geneva ChopHouse increased by 25% the first year and the restaurant is currently rated in the top 5 restaurants in OpenTable for the state of Wisconsin.
  • The Bloomington ChopHouse is consistently rated as one of the top steakhouses in the market.

Blu Bar & Lounge Milwaukee

Blu

Home to all- natural cocktails, sassy martinis, world-class wines and captivating views – The Pfister's gem in the sky

Blu, located atop the historic Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee is a sensual, sophisticated cocktail lounge that is a favorite among hotel guests, celebrities and locals. Its panoramic views of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan can't be beat and make Blu the perfect place to enjoy cocktails after work, before a show or following dinner. Adult contemporary music and a swanky club feel create the ideal ambiance for guests to sit back, relax and unwind.

Creating the Concept

  • In 2000, our flagship hotel, The Pfister, underwent renovations to its top floor to add a health club. As part of the renovation, we repositioned the cocktail lounge space from seating for 200 to 65.
  • Blu was created to become a part of the Milwaukee bar market by offering live entertainment and an extensive classic cocktail list. We introduced wine flights to Milwaukee with more than 55 wines by the glass.
  • Blu underwent another extensive renovation in 2010 to convey a new sensual look and the ideal ambiance for relaxation through external design elements, upholstery and carpeting. Today, Blu offers the best views of Milwaukee and is one of the most successful martini bars in the city.

Results

  • As part of the original renovation, we decreased seating by 45% and increased revenues by 225%.
  • When Blu opened in September 2000, the concept and repositioning was featured in a USA Today cover story.
  • Specially roasted giant cashews have remained the lounge's signature bar snack for more than ten years; they are a critical part of Blu's DNA.
  • Blu continues to remain among the top cocktail lounges for visitors and locals in downtown Milwaukee.
  • Blu was voted Milwaukee's Best Romantic Bar by Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee.
Mason Street Girll Milwaukee

Mason Street Grill

A Classic American Grill

Located on a prominent downtown Milwaukee corner next to the historic Pfister Hotel, this classic American grill specializes in wood-grilled steaks, fresh seafood, world-class sandwiches and tantalizing house-made desserts. This is the place where Milwaukee works…and plays. Its big bar area is a natural gathering point for socializing and networking in Milwaukee, offering lunch, happy hour, late night or in-bar dining. In the evening, guests enjoy a variety of live entertainment. In the main dining room, an open kitchen, comfortable booths, chefs dining counter and warm, welcoming staff invite guests to sit back and stay awhile.

Creating the Concept

  • The Pfister Hotel has always been known for fine dining, including the English Room, a long-standing restaurant in Milwaukee since the 1960s that was located on the lower level of the hotel.
  • In 2002, a longtime tenant with street access vacated the first floor of The Pfister Hotel. We took advantage of the opportunity to use the street level location for a new concept, Mason Street Grill.
  • The space underwent a complete transformation and Mason Street Grill opened in December 2006.
  • The 8,500 square-foot restaurant seats 285 guests including a 65-seat bar, has three private dining rooms and a 25-seat chef's counter overlooking the kitchen.
  • The "book ends" – the bar and private dining rooms, which are the most profitable – flank the restaurant, with the main dining room and kitchen counter – "the show" – at the center – a very successful and profitable design concept.
  • Mason Street Grill runs as a separate operating unit from the hotel to generate maximum profitability.

Results

  • Mason Street Grill opened as a top restaurant in Milwaukee and remains a contender today.
  • Mason Street Grill is the destination for the power lunch, power dinner, special occasion and celebratory experience.
  • The space generates 25% more in annual rent than the former tenant, while providing added operating income for the hotel.
  • This highly successful restaurant concept helps The Pfister Hotel to maintain its position as the premier hotel in Milwaukee.
Brissago Lake Geneva

Ristorante Brissago

An Award-Winning Upscale Italian Dining Concept

Warm and inviting with an air of subtle sophistication, Ristorante Brissago brings Italy home through its fresh ingredients, authentic Italian cuisine and romantic setting. Located at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Ristorante Brissago's ingredients are flown in from Italy weekly – allowing guests to enjoy regionally made pastas, cheeses, prosciutto, olive oils and desserts, as well as a wonderful selection of Italian wines. The menu invites guests to sample, share and delight in everything Italian.

Creating the Concept

  • The brand was established in 1994 as a traditional Italian restaurant. The name Brissago is taken from a small town on Lake Maggiori on the border of Switzerland and Italy that looks similar to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
  • Brissago offers genuine Italian cuisine in a relaxed and comfortable setting – perfect for a romantic dinner, family-style celebration or a simple glass of wine with pizza.
  • In 2004, we repositioned the brand and its menu to focus on regionally influenced foods from across Italy by successfully sourcing and importing true ingredients and presenting them as they are prepared in their native Italian region.
  • Bufala mozzarella, extra virgin olive oils produced from handpicked olives, tomatoes, flour, olives, prosciutto and Grand Cru Pecorino from Italy are the foundation of our recipes.
  • Ristorante Brissago's Italian wine list features everything from the fresh and fruity to the boldest Super Tuscan selections.

Results

  • Italian restaurant concepts have historically been challenged by perceptions of serving heavy, large portions, in a casual environment. We overcame this by staying true to our DNA, and providing the highest quality product combined with outstanding service.
  • Ristorante Brissago was named best restaurant in Wisconsin in 2009 and 2010 by OpenTable.