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Sisters took a chance on Wauwatosa Ruby Tap, and soon there will be one in Mequon

Caitlin Wilkinson selects a glass of wine from self-serve dispensers at Ruby Tap, 1341 Wauwatosa Ave.

By Jessica Stephen

Oct. 14, 2014

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When Brooke Boomer and Sarah Nelson opened their coffeehouse-style wine bar, they had one goal in mind."We really wanted to create a space that we would hang out in," said Boomer, who owns the Ruby Tap with her sister.

These days, they're a bit too busy to actually do that, thanks to a thriving shop on Wauwatosa Avenue and plans to break ground this fall for another in Mequon.

But, Boomer said, she and her sister feel like they've accomplished what they set out to do.

"It's a causal atmosphere. We've got couches. We've got a fireplace, but also regular tables. It's a great way for people who have wine experience, but also people who are just wanting to learn about wine, to explore."

Despite their love of wine, running a wine bar wasn't exactly what the Michigan natives thought they'd do when they grew up.

"We talked about it for years. But you never really think it's going to happen," Nelson said.

In fact, before they opened the Tap, Boomer was an event planner and Nelson was a student coordinator for advertising students in Chicago.

Then, Nelson realized she had to make a choice: renew her lease in Chicago or take a chance.

"It forced us into a decision, and I think that's what started it."

They landed in Wauwatosa partly because of Boomer's husband, who got a job in Wisconsin. After that, it was just a matter of getting down to business, which the sisters said has involved a commitment to letting each of them do what she does best.

So far, that's meant putting Nelson in charge of food and decorating, while Boomer chooses the wine and keeps the books. They both oversee a team of about 10 part-time employees.

"I don't know how it works out so well," Nelson admitted with a laugh. "But we have different roles and different strengths that kind of keep us separated to an extent but also help function as one."

It helps that they love their work, which lately has included Skype events with winemakers, as well as plans for a new monthly wine club.

"This is our passion. This is not just something we thought would make money. We love it," Boomer said.

It's part of the reason they've been trying to reassure their Tosa customers about the new shop.

"All the Tosa people come in and say, 'We feel like we're going to lose you to Mequon,'" Boomer said. "But we really value the customers we have, even (to the extent) that, if people are walking by, they'll stop in and say hi. So, it's not like we're opening another one and going to be gone. We're both going to be at both locations, mostly here and then up there a couple days a week."