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Politics & Government

Victor's Pier Street Shanty Closed

Open for just over a year, Victor's Pier Street Shanty closed quietly this fall after a summer of activities.

It’s true: Victor’s Pier Street Shanty is closed.

The restaurant’s popularity as an outdoor dining spot may have worked against it in the long run, said to Sara Grover, executive director of Port Washington Main Street, Inc.

“I think it may have fallen prey to the seasonal nature of the outdoor dining business. People don’t eat outdoors now,” Grover said, referring to the crisp fall weather.

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Building owner Wayne Houpt told JSOnline.com that the closing might be temporary. Attempts by Patch staff to reach restaurant owner Victor Cerda and Houpt were unsuccessful.

Since opening in the summer of 2011, the restaurant, popular for its fish and seafood offerings, hosted outdoor festivals and events like the Blues Bash. They also began holding — preparing, cooking and serving customer-caught fish with a variety of side dishes.

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As recent as last month, the restaurant was in the news, without a hint of trouble ahead. 

However, it closed quietly sometime since then, shuttered at least since the end of September and possibly before then.

Why the restaurant closed and whether it will re-open is unknown. Cerda was a seasoned restaurateur, Grover said, having run his own restaurant, Victor’s in Cedarburg, and managed the Bavarian Inn.

“It’s really sad to see a business not succeed as they wanted to,” Grover said.

There may be options available for businesses in trouble.

“If a business finds itself down this road, we encourage them to contact us. We do have resources and can help them before they have to make this kind of decision,” Grover said.

Grover noted that there have been three turnovers of restaurants in the last four years at that location but that the restaurant seemed to fit in well at the marina.

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