Bass Bay Brewhouse, a beloved family-owned restaurant in Muskego, is planning a comeback following a devastating fire that occurred on December 12, 2025. The fire resulted in the complete loss of both the restaurant and the Aud Mar Banquet Hall, displacing the family and necessitating a significant multi-department firefighting response. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Despite the tragedy, the local community quickly rallied to support the affected employees and the family.

As demolition begins on the remnants of the building, owner Ryan Oschmann has announced plans to open a beer garden on the remaining outdoor grounds. Notably, many outdoor elements, including the gazebo and the bar area, survived the fire. The Muskego city council has already approved a liquor license for the beer garden, which could accommodate up to 500 patrons. The goal is to create a welcoming space for locals while reconstruction of the main building commences, with an anticipated opening in early June 2026.

Bass Bay Brewhouse has a history of hosting outdoor events, having previously secured permits for pop-up beer gardens and outside dancing. This experience lays a solid foundation for the upcoming beer garden initiatiative, allowing the owners to maintain a connection with the community during the rebuilding phase.

Oschmann mentioned that demolition work is already underway and that they expect to submit formal rebuilding plans in the coming weeks, with construction set to start later that summer. The opening of the beer garden is seen as a way to retain employees, generate some income, and keep the property visible while awaiting the necessary insurance and building permits.

In light of the closure, local restaurants and neighbors have stepped up to help the Bass Bay staff, raising over $70,000 through fundraisers. The operational beer garden will serve as a mainstay of lakeside dining, offering outdoor seating and a temporary menu as the family works through the rebuilding process. For updates and more information, interested patrons can visit Bass Bay’s website.