Bradford Beach continues its comeback this Memorial Day weekend when Hi-Hat Group, one of the city's foremost and funkiest restaurant groups, assumes control of the Bradford Beach House and programming at Milwaukee's most popular patch of sand.

Leslie Montemurro and Scott Johnson who own (Kristyn St. Denis is the general manager) Hi-Hat, Hi-Hat Garage, Comet Cafe and Balzac, are partnering with Todd Gawronski of G1, Inc. and Todd Hall of X-Ray Marketing, to bring their magic, menus and event planning touch to nearly every aspect of a faded landmark that was once a shining star in the Milwaukee summer.

"Everyone we talked to at the County is genuinely pumped about getting the Bradford Beach House back up and running strong again," says Johnson. "They also genuinely care about the water quality issues on the lake."

"This is something that we should be doing, and I just couldn't be more proud of what's happening (there)," says Milwaukee County Parks Director Sue Black. "I just can't wait to see our beaches full of people. It's still a work in progress, but this season people are going to see a big difference."

G1, Inc., has a one-year lease from Milwaukee County, which it hopes to extend by at least 10 years after a successful summer. Long-term plans include design upgrades and a possible collaboration to build the proposed Bradford Beach Water Garden.

"The long-term mission is to make Bradford Beach a destination," says Gawronski, who also spearheads the annual Bradford Beach Jam.

Johnson notes a "a palpable vibe of nostalgia" for Bradford Beach. "It's time," he says, "that Bradford Beach makes a comeback."

Gawronski says the revitalized Bradford Beach House will be open seven days a week and will offer a diverse menu of food and drinks, including beer, wine and spirits. In addition, the retail operation will sell brands like as Spy Sunglasses, Quicksilver Sportswear and Roxy.

"Our plans for the space and menu are to provide a seven-day-a-week presence down there, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., at least to start," says Johnson.

"There will be the usual hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, ice cream, soda, but we will also be offering homemade tacos, iced coffee and tea drinks, fresh fruit, bagels and juices, newspapers and free wi-fi. There will be an ATM, and we will carry a full selection of towels, sunscreen, sand castle-building toys for the kids, flip flops and beach mats, bagged ice -- even shorts and sunglasses."

Beach goers can check out volleyballs, soccer balls and goals, even Baggo with an ID.

"We'd eventually like to get boogie boards, skim boards, innertubes and beach chairs," Johnson says. " Basically, ride your bike or skateboard down or pack the kids in the car and we'll have everything you need. We're really excited about making it a destination again."

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