"Proper action:" As signs come down at Two Bucks, corporate applauded for pulling franchise license
“Proper action,” as signs come down at Two Bucks, folks applaud corporate for pulling franchise license
"Proper action," as signs come down at Two Bucks, folks applaud corporate for pulling franchise license
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Amid allegations of discrimination and racism, a once popular bar on Milwaukee's East Side is now closed. All outdoor signs at Two Bucks were taken down on Thursday, May 7th.
"Just sad it happened in our neighborhood,"Amelia Sheahan said.
On Wednesday evening, Two Bucks corporate announced it was pulling Two Bucks Milwaukee's franchise license.
One day later, signs were covered, menus were gone from the display case and the patio was empty.
"I think it was a proper action," Sheahan said.
Sheahan has a friend who was inside Two Bucks early Saturday, May 2nd when the bar's owner was accused of discrimination and making racist remarks.
Witnesses say the owner appeared drunk when she kicked out African-American customers without good reason. Bouncers and bartenders quit on the spot.
The bar was closed for a few days following the weekend incident. It reopened Monday. On Tuesday, the bar closed early after a group showed up to protest the alleged discrimination during Open Mic Night. Open Mic Night was cancelled.
Protest outside Two Bucks
On Wednesday evening, corporate announced it was pulling Two Bucks Milwaukee's franchise license after meeting with employees, customers and community activists.
Sheahan says she hopes the bar won't stay dark for long.
"Turn it into a new, good, fun, happy establishment," Sheahan said.
"I don`t think they`d have any trouble filling that space at all," Tim DeRosa said.
Two Bucks corporate representatives tell FOX6 News they're shocked by what they discovered before pulling the franchise license.
When asked whether the company will open another Two Bucks in Milwaukee, the COO says: "We absolutely adore the Milwaukee market and the East Side neighborhood. We are exploring all of our options and will be talking to the landlord and alderman in the coming days."
The bar's owner will keep her liquor license, according to the city of Milwaukee License Division. She can still run a bar in the spot formerly occupied by Two Bucks -- as long as a name change is reported to the city within 10 days.
On the "Boycott Two Bucks Milwaukee" Facebook page, folks are thanking the company -- saying they would support another Two Bucks in the city under new management -- though perhaps not at the same location.
"I think it`s been marred a little bit at this location maybe go to Bayshore set up a franchise but it has been marred a little bit," Sheahan said.
It is unclear whether the bar's owner will attempt to reopen under a new name. FOX6 News has reached out to her, but we haven't heard back.
