A historic downtown Kenosha building is back in business with the new bar Church and Market, 701 56th St., which has its ribbon cutting Friday. The new corner bar offers a wide variety of drinks for “everyone,” according to operations manager Andy Bilski, from cocktails and wine to local beers. It offers a variety of dishes, from truffle fries and chicken wings to their “Bratcuterie,” a Wisconsin charcuterie board of freshly grilled bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, pickles, sauerkraut, beer cheese and honey mustard.
Owner Kyle Kavalauskas, who also owns Tavern on 6th, said when the opportunity arose to purchase the old building, he jumped at the chance.
He and his father Rik, who is co-owner, have a long history in the Kenosha business community, Kavalauskas said. His father has over four decades in the industry and Kyle has over a decade.
Plans for the church and market began last winter, with renovations taking place in late spring. The soft opening took place about a month ago, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official start Friday evening.
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The space may be unrecognizable to those familiar with its old interior, although the design still harks back to its roots with plenty of exposed cream city brick.
“Everyone who comes in looks at the place and says, ‘Wow, it’s beautiful,’” Bilski said. “I think the success rate is 100 percent if people come in and say they want their house to look like this.”
It has “old bones” and character, Bilski said, something that can’t come with a new building. He remembers several customers arriving, recalling the old businesses the building housed.
“It’s an interesting part, the whole story that you hear from people,” Bilski said. “It adds a certain mystique and cool nostalgia.”
Both Bilski and Kavaluaskas said the historic aspect of the place made it particularly unique. The name of the new bar refers to the historic level crossing on the construction site.
“We’re excited to bring it back and make it a destination for people,” Bilski said. “That’s the most important thing is getting him back to Kenosha.” “Aesthetically, it’s very classy and classy, it can cater to someone who’s looking for a nice glass of wine, a martini or a cocktail,” Bilski said, “but at the same time we’re still very comfortable for someone who wants to come watch a football game and have a local beer. Those are all options.
Between the main dining room, bar, upstairs lounge and patio, which will open next spring, the bar has plenty of space compared to the tavern, Kavalauskas said.
It also benefits from a convenient location, directly opposite free parking and close to future city center development areas.
“With the big plans that the city has in front of it, being here on the ground floor, I hope we see this take off and be a part of it in the years to come,” Kavalauskas said. For more information or to reserve space for events, visit churchandmarketkenosha.comor the Facebook page of the Church and the market.
