Home Notables Notable Women in Hospitality Notable Women in Hospitality: Marla Poytinger

Notable Women in Hospitality: Marla Poytinger

Class of 2023

Over the course of 11 years, Marla Poytinger turned a small painting bar, called Splash Studio, into a Milwaukee-based entertainment brand, known as Bars & Recreation.

“Under Marla’s stewardship as CEO, Bars & Recreation navigated the COVID-19 pandemic that shuttered all four venues for more than three months and impacted business levels to this day,” said Erin Hochevar, vice president of Bars & Recreation. “Despite those setbacks, Bars & Recreation is thriving.”

The business operates a line of immersive activity bars in the area, including AXE MKE, NorthSouth Club, Nine Below, Game Show MKE and its newest concept, Amped: Private Suite Karaoke & Events, which opened in January 2023. The company has another location planned in West Allis. Bars & Recreation employs a corporate team of 22 and more than 50 total employees.

“Despite its small size, Marla’s Bars & Recreation offers industry-leading benefits that not only help retain talent, but rival packages provided by some of the largest hospitality providers in the state,” Hochevar said. “Bars & Recreation is a certified woman-owned business that is revolutionizing the ordinary night out in Milwaukee, thanks to Marla’s focus, drive and commitment to doing what is right.”

Over the course of 11 years, Marla Poytinger turned a small painting bar, called Splash Studio, into a Milwaukee-based entertainment brand, known as Bars & Recreation.

“Under Marla’s stewardship as CEO, Bars & Recreation navigated the COVID-19 pandemic that shuttered all four venues for more than three months and impacted business levels to this day,” said Erin Hochevar, vice president of Bars & Recreation. “Despite those setbacks, Bars & Recreation is thriving.”

The business operates a line of immersive activity bars in the area, including AXE MKE, NorthSouth Club, Nine Below, Game Show MKE and its newest concept, Amped: Private Suite Karaoke & Events, which opened in January 2023. The company has another location planned in West Allis. Bars & Recreation employs a corporate team of 22 and more than 50 total employees.

“Despite its small size, Marla’s Bars & Recreation offers industry-leading benefits that not only help retain talent, but rival packages provided by some of the largest hospitality providers in the state,” Hochevar said. “Bars & Recreation is a certified woman-owned business that is revolutionizing the ordinary night out in Milwaukee, thanks to Marla’s focus, drive and commitment to doing what is right.”

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