New Italian Restaurant Planned for Former Cheel Space
One of downtown Thiensville's most recognizable restaurant properties is getting new life.
The owners of acclaimed Milwaukee restaurants Saffron and āya are planning a new Italian restaurant at 105 S. Main Street, the former home of The Cheel.
And a new village filing shows the project continuing to move forward.
Stone and Slate LLC, with Fatima Kumar listed as its agent, applied for new Class B beer and liquor licenses for the Main Street property. The Thiensville Committee of the Whole reviewed the application on September 14. View the September meeting details
Who Is Behind the New Thiensville Restaurant?
The property was acquired by restaurateurs Fatima and Hanish Kumar, owners of Saffron Modern Indian Dining and āya in Milwaukee, along with investor Anup Khullar.
The Kumars are working with Chef Abhishek Patil on an entirely new concept for the property.
Local dining publication OnMilwaukee reports that the restaurant is being developed as a new Italian concept, with its own name, design and culinary direction rather than a recreation of The Cheel. Read OnMilwaukee's report on the project
The specific restaurant name, menu and opening date have not yet been announced.
The Former Cheel Space
The location at 105 S. Main Street carries plenty of restaurant history.
The Cheel originally built a loyal following in Thiensville before a devastating fire destroyed its previous building in 2020.
A new restaurant building was eventually constructed on the site and The Cheel reopened in late 2023, but the restaurant closed in 2024.
The property also includes the outdoor venue formerly known as The Baaree.
According to reporting on the new project, the new owners also hope to bring that outdoor area back to life as an entertainment venue. Read more about the plans for the former Cheel property
The newest development comes from Thiensville's September municipal meetings.
The Committee of the Whole reviewed applications for a new Class B beer license and a new Class B liquor license.
The filing doesn't mean the restaurant is ready to open, but it is another concrete step toward bringing the property back into operation.
A Big Addition for Downtown Thiensville
The project could be particularly significant because of its location.
The restaurant sits in the heart of downtown Thiensville, only a short distance from Village Park and many of the community's biggest events.
Families can easily combine a future restaurant visit with a walk through Village Park, a stop at the playground or splash pad, or one of Thiensville's community festivals.
Check out our guide to the Thiensville Village Park splash pad for another nearby family stop.
You can also browse all of our Thiensville stories and guides.
Make a Day of It in Thiensville
If you're visiting downtown Thiensville, there's plenty nearby to turn dinner into a larger outing.
Village Park includes the playground, splash pad, Milwaukee River access, walking paths, tennis and pickleball courts.
During the warmer months, it's also home to events such as Eats & Beats and other community gatherings.
And if you're exploring the area's restaurant scene, check out our feature on Skippy's Burger Bar in Thiensville.
North Shore Family Adventures will keep following the new Italian restaurant at 105 S. Main Street and update this story when the name, menu and opening plans are announced.
The owners of acclaimed Milwaukee restaurants Saffron and āya are planning a new Italian restaurant at 105 S. Main Street, the former home of The Cheel.