Get ready for a refresh in your Milwaukee nightlife rotation. The Next Bar is coming to the scene with classic beer taps, cocktail favorites, a diverse selection of spirits, authentic vibes, and a hospitality/entertainment experience the city didn’t know it was missing.

Located at 1732 E. North Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211, The Next Bar has taken hold of prime real estate in the hopes of cultivating the next positive entrepreneurial venture that is rooted in legacy, built on purpose, fostered in community, and championing a good time, all in one space. Founded by a dynamic uncle-nephew duo, James Chappel & Alex Edwards, The Next Bar isn’t just opening its doors — it’s making a statement.

“We are bringing a new, fresh identity to the space, with creative ideas that expand the past potential of this location”, said Edwards as he discussed his aspiration for opening The Next Bar.

Edwards notes that, beyond being a great spot to socialize, it is also meant to serve as inspiration for his family investment club, piloted this year. When the location came on the market, the pieces just seemed to be the perfect fit, with Edwards' background in real estate and Chapple’s interest in owning a bar, the site allowed for intentional customization of the turnkey space to serve a community that wants a down to earth environment that still holds Instagram worthy style.

Thus, The Next Bar is reclaiming space. The building has seen wine bars, college bars, and everything in between — but this time it’s Black-owned, community-driven, and here for the long haul. No more “just opening a bar” — they’re opening the door to fellowship, ownership, and opportunity [with extensive research on the location & target customer base]. Even though Edwards has no previous bar ownership experience, he is confident that his previous work revolving around community, mentorship, crisis stabilization, management, and his time as a career entrepreneur will lend itself well to overseeing the bar environment.

“I started my first venture at nine years old. . . I had a candy store, selling out of the window of my grandma’s house. Of course, it was all in my grandmother’s name [sales permits, etc], but it was all my idea. At eighteen, I purchased my first property and have been real estate investing ever since”. - Edwards shared.

Other pieces of Edward’s entrepreneurial portfolio include Car sales, a vending machine business, and a consulting company. This, in combination with Chappel's history as a silent investor in other local nightlife establishments, heightens the partnership's nuance for success.

The bar will be open to patrons 25+, with both bar & plush leather booth seating [designed with comfort in mind], an entertainment nook available for DJ’d events and live music [think saxophone, piano, or guitar vibes], chilled glasses, and an exterior water bowl for our four-legged friends passing by. Edwards is hoping the bar will be a spot for a thriving mix of urban business owners, ambitious professionals, community neighbors, and, of course, an intergenerational hangout spot for nights out with the fam.

The grand opening celebration will take place, Saturday, June 14th, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM, with a ribbon cutting at 5:55 PM [symbolic of positive change in transformation]. The owners hope that the community will join them for a first-hand experience of what The Next Bar has in store.

“We’re building something that reflects who we are and who we serve,” says Alex. “Just give us one drink, one chance to stop in. We promise you’ll come back.”

For press inquiries and interviews, please contact Alex Edwards at therealnextbar@gmail.com.

To stay up to date with The Next Bar, special events, and more, follow on Instagram @thenextbar_.

This Press Release was produced by /CW Creative Services

Click here to learn more