Jay P. Supple, CEO of the Supple Restaurant Group is bringing two new concepts to Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward neighborhood.

I told you about Montreal Bread Company last week, and today Supple answers a few questions about Fratello's, coming early next year to 102 N. Water St. Below is a verbatim e-mail exchange.

Why the Third Ward?

We believe that the Third Ward is one of the most exciting areas of downtown Milwaukee. Block by block, new restaurants, shops and unique businesses, have helped to make it a destination neighborhood for Milwaukee natives and tourists alike, similar to Soho or the Meat Packing district in New York. Pioneers like Milwaukee Ale House have established roots in the Third Ward and encouraged new restaurants and shops to join them. The Third Ward has become its own shopping and dining destination. We hope guests just head to the area and then choose one of the fantastic places to be.

Tell us a little about what we'll expect at Fratello's?

Since opening our first Fratello's Waterfront Restaurant 12 years ago, our key to success has been to create an atmosphere that appeals to a wide mix of people. Our décor is cool casual, the kind of place that you feel comfortable taking your boss to or out on a date. With views of the water as our signature look, we wow the guests with the ambiance, and then surprise them with the variety and pricing of our menu. We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and our menu prices range from $8.99 to around $18.99. Our menu is very extensive, with sandwiches and pizzas, steaks, pasta and fresh seafood. We offer an award winning wine list and handcrafted beers along with a wide variety of mixed drinks. Our summer patio will also be what sets us apart. All of our locations have unique patios, and we maximize every summer moment that we can.

What other concepts do you own/operate?

The Milwaukee Fratello's will be our fifth Fratello's location, with one in Oshkosh, two in Appleton and one in Green Bay. We also have The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant in Appleton, two Golden Corral Buffet & Grills, Fox River Brewing Co., and Wave Bar & Ballroom. We are also very excited to be opening our newest concept, MBCo. MBCo, is short for Montreal Bread Co., and the Third Ward location will be the first one in the United States. Founded in Montreal, it is an upscale European café, which specializes in artisan sandwiches and breads. Very chic and trendy, it has a wide variety of breads, sandwiches and salads. The service is counter style with a large catering and to-go trade, which will be open breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What's the target opening day?

We are hoping to open MBCo before the end of the year and Fratello's Waterfront Restaurant in February.

General thoughts on the Milwaukee-area dining scene.

Milwaukee's dining scene is very hot, and we are excited to join a fantastic group of independent restaurateurs and some of the new national chains. Milwaukee diners appreciate the ambiance of a location, but are still looking for that extra value that makes their dining choice a unique experience.