Biz Buzz: Thai-namite restaurant, Fish Cheeks, Jiu-Jitsu studio all move ahead

The Wauwatosa plan commission recommended approval Monday, Aug. 10, of an Asian fusion restaurant that would serve a diverse Thai menu and offer a Japanese sushi bar.

Commission members unanimously approved the conditional use request for Thai-Namite to be located at 8725 W. North Ave., in the building that previously housed City Market, next to Westwood Dry Cleaners.

The 5,281-square foot restaurant would seat 70, feature "a cozy dining room and modern look with the comfortable furnishings and décor in soothing warm tones," according to an executive summary statement to city officials. Additionally, the restaurant would offer carryout and delivery options and feature patio dining during warmer months.

Thai-Namite already has locations on Brady Street and in Milwaukee's Third Ward.

"We feel that the location in East Wauwatosa will allow us to use a similar business model in that we can start with a similar environment, and have the ability to cater to a similar demographic," the statement said. "The Wauwatosa community has a reputation similar to the Brady Street community in that they both have a large population younger in age, and both are viewed as tight knit communities."

The plan commission's recommendation now goes to the common council, which will take it up Sept. 1.

If approved, the restaurant plans to open by the end of October and would create about 28 full-time jobs. The hours of operation would be Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The plan commission previously held approval of Thai-Namite at a July meeting for additional information regarding traffic in the alley, parking and waste management.

Co-owner Nini Buranabunyut has since submitted proposals from waste disposal and pest management contractors to address those concerns.

But neighbors still voiced their concerns Monday about the restaurant moving to the City Market location, citing a lack of sufficient parking, odors, noise, the possibility of rats and the potential for impaired driving as patrons leave the establishment after drinking.

The city's Health Department provided a memo to the applicant that outlined waste management standards and also commented they do not have any correlation of pests to specific restaurants in residential areas.

Responding to parking concerns, Buranabunyut agreed to install markings on the pavement to direct patrons to only turn right into the alley when exiting the lot, and said he would install a "no parking" sign on the south wall of the building. Additionally, the owner has agreed to use parking in the adjacent lot to the west to provide additional parking in the evenings. There are eight parking spots at the establishment.

"We will be promoting adjacent parking on our website and on our front doors," Buranabunyut said.

Alderman Bobby Pantuso was in attendance Monay evening and said restaurant owners have already compromised greatly cutting back their operation hours from what was previously proposed, jumping through "several hoops" to satisfy concerns.

"It's going to be a great fit, it's all going to work out," he said.

Long-awaited Fish Cheeks wins key city approval

The wait for a family-owned restaurant that would serve sushi and Pacific seafood entrées could soon be over.

The city's plan commission unanimously approved Monday a conditional use request for the restaurant Fish Cheeks to be located at 6818 W. North Ave. in East Tosa.

The restaurant would employ five full-time and two part-time employees upon its initial launch, would seat about 49 people inside, have seating for up to 32 outside at the front of the building, and would feature carryout options.

Fish Cheeks would serve a selection of chicken and steak hibachi items in addition to seafood. Additional offerings would include specialty sake and martinis along with a full-serve bar, according to a memo sent to city officials.

Operation hours would be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily with outdoor dining closing at 11 p.m.

Plans for the dining establishment were initially presented to the city about two years ago. A similar conditional use request for the restaurant was approved in September 2013, but the approval lapsed one year later.

The common council will have the final say on Fish Cheeks Sept. 1.

Residential neighbors in attendance voiced concern about the hours, stating with employees arriving at Rocket Baby Bakery in the early hours to begin baking next door, and Fish Cheeks possibly closing at 2 a.m., there would be no time to sleep amid the noise.

"We're not running a bar," restaurateur John Steiner said.

The building is scheduled to be remodeled and a planned addition would more than double the size of the establishment.

The applicant will need to seek a parking lot permit as there are three parking spaces on site, but four are required for the proposal.

"I'm a big sushi fan myself," said Alderman Joel Tilleson, adding the restaurant owner should "reach out" if there are any expected delays and the city is "virtually out of liquor licenses."

"The last thing people want is another two years of an empty storefront."

Jiu Jitsu studio

moves a step ahead

A Brookfield business is one step closer in relocating to Wauwatosa after gaining approval from city officials Monday night.

The plan commission unanimously approved the conditional use request for 360 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu LLC to be located at 12040 W. Feerick St., neighboring Wal-Mart.

Owner and Wauwatosa resident Scott Huston said his business is different from other traditional martial arts training in that it's similar to gymnastics and needs more space than at its location at 12675 W. Townsend St. in Brookfield.

"I'd like to bring my business to Wauwatosa, work in the community, go in the schools," Huston told the plan commission Monday evening.

The plan commission's recommendation will go before the Common Council Sept. 1.

"Our brand of Jiu-Jitsu offers a unique and dynamic approach that focuses on modern sport Jiu-Jitsu. It is great for anyone whether their aim is to learn, compete, reduce stress, build confidence or to simply get in phenomenal shape while having fun," a memo provided to city officials said.

The 4,800-square foot building will feature an office area that will comprised of changing rooms and a viewing area for parents to observe their kids' session. The main training area will provide "ample space for our participants to train safely" and there will be a strength conditioning area with equipment to prepare for competitions and local, regional or national shows, according to the memo.

"We are currently involved with the Wauwatosa School (District), raising bully awareness and explaining the many benefits that come along with practicing the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu," the statement said. "We want to show the public how the sport of BJJ can be incorporated into a healthier lifestyle."

The new Jiu Jitsu location would be the third of its kind in Wauwatosa; Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Crossover Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy are both located on Bluemound Road — the latter also has a location in Brookfield

Classes will be offered most days beginning in the early morning hours and running into the evening, Huston said.

Classes consist of 10 to 15 minute warm-ups and approximately 45 minutes of practice, strategy and lecture. After roughly one hour, students transition into the "open roll" portion of class where members can practice honing their skills and work on conditioning.

"He runs a really nice operation, clean, very professional," said commission member Michael Goetz, adding he's visited the Brookfield location.