The Sheboygan City Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit for Wild Card Food LLC to operate at 1301 Michigan Avenue after receiving public comment and staff review.

A neighboring business owner, Robert Lines, told the commission he received notice of the application by mail on Monday, Dec. 8, and said the late notice compressed the time available for neighbors to review the proposal. Lines said the application appeared to seek minimal building repairs and described the proposed operation as a 24/7 private club with crypto‑paying members and an on‑site bar; he said that raised concerns the space could be used for private poker or gambling activity. "Beneath the facade of this Wildcard Food LLC, I would lead one to believe or concur he is trying to run a private poker gambling operation," Lines said during public comment.

The building owner and applicant, who introduced himself as Sean Office, described Wild Card as a private, crypto‑focused food club that would require paid membership (he cited a baseline of $500 per year), limit general public access, and run occasional philanthropic public events. He said some longer‑term services (including health‑related member benefits) were part of his long‑term vision but that the immediate application before the commission concerned the club/food use. City staff advised that painting a brand logo on a painted-over facade would require sign permits, and the zoning administrator and city attorney cautioned that certain activities — notably gaming and medical services — are regulated by state law and would require separate compliance. The city attorney said gaming is strictly regulated by Wisconsin and that the city does not have authority to permit state‑regulated gaming outside statutory parameters.

Commissioners discussed occupancy, signage and the building’s lengthy vacancy and reminded the owner that a permanent occupancy permit will be required and that substantial renovations and building‑code compliance (for example for a commercial kitchen) are likely to be necessary. The commission moved and approved the conditional use permit by voice vote with one objection recorded and the chair voting aye.

Next steps: the owner must obtain occupancy and building permits and comply with state regulations related to any medical or gaming‑related services he intends to offer; staff and the owner may continue informal follow‑up on signage and building improvements.