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Business & Tech

Business Heats Up for New Firehouse Restaurant

Two friends set up shop in Saukville's old fire department building and serve up a variety of dishes to eager patrons.

It took eights months of planning for friends Daryl Frey and Jim Keller to prepare for Sunday's opening of a new restaurant in Saukville, but the two knew they'd excel as business partners in the deal before dreaming up what is now the Firehouse Restaurant, 100 S. Main St.

Starting as a dishwasher, Frey said he climbed the ladder over his 25 years in the industry, working his way to line cook, head chef and manager of various restaurants in the area.    

With Frey’s knowledge of the business and Keller’s people skills — a strength of his after working internationally in the printing business — the two seemed a good match for business partners, according to Keller. 

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Keller said he always wanted to own a restaurant, and he knew Frey felt the same.

"I wouldn’t have done it without Daryl," Keller said.

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"We have similar personalities: quirky — funny sometimes," Frey added.

The two began looking into opening their own place last year, and Keller knew a good deal was at his fingertips when he saw the vacant firehouse that was already well-equipped for dining.  The building has served as two different restaurants over the years. 

The two took to planning, and opened the restaurant in that location on Sunday.

With a few updates and some renovation, customers are welcomed into to a relaxed, open dining room and an entryway that fit’s the location perfectly. The 11-by-14 firefighter mural that welcomes guests is a tribute not only to the building but also family and friends of Keller and Frey.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves a variety of entrees including fish fries, pizza and hot wings. The varied menu, Keller said, assures that there’s something for everyone when they visit.

After only a few days in business, both Frey and Keller see this strategy paying off with consistent crowds; Frey said he has already seen some repeat customers.

"All my dishes, I’m proud of,” he said, adding he’s consistently received compliments on his habanero ranch sauce and customers have recommended that he bottle and sell it.

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