A group led by Milwaukee restaurateur Johnny Vassallo has purchased the former Edwardo’s Pizza property at the southwest corner of Mayfair and Bluemound roads in Wauwatosa, across the street from his restaurant, Mo’s Irish Pub.
Vassallo bought the 2-acre property at 10845 W. Bluemound Road, with a group of local business people including Milwaukee Bucks player Steve Novak and former Milwaukee Wave owner Jim Lindenberg, for $2 million, from Michael Pranke.
Edwardo’s closed in March 2014.
“I’ve just always wanted the land,” Vassallo said. “It’s doubtful I’ll do another restaurant, but we’re going to explore all of our options there with the city for highest and best use of the land.”
One possibility is a retail center, Vassallo said.
“We want to take our time, and we’ll probably wait until the (Zoo Interchange construction project) is done – I never fathomed that would take so long,” Vassallo said. “It’s a great corner and an amazing piece of land.”
Vassallo founded Mo’s Restaurants in 1999, with the opening of Mo’s…A Place for Steaks in downtown Milwaukee. He currently owns Mo’s Irish Pub in downtown Milwaukee, a second steakhouse in Houston, and a second Mo’s Irish Pub in Wauwatosa, 10842 W. Bluemound Road. He also owns a third pub in Noblesville, Ind.
Vassallo said he, Novak and Lindenberg want to do something with the property that will improve the area.
“This group I’ve put together is like-minded business men mindful of doing great things that will positively impact Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and Wisconsin,” Vassallo said. “It’s my home.”
