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Committee backs new seven‑year lease with ABC Estabrook for Estabrook Park Beer Garden
Summary
The committee recommended a new seven‑year lease (with a three‑year renewal option) for ABC Estabrook to operate the Estabrook Park Beer Garden, citing more than $2.1 million in commission payments to the county since 2012 and a minimum $50,000 capital‑investment commitment in the new agreement. Vote: 7–0.
Milwaukee County Parks staff told the committee on July 14 that they negotiated a new lease and vendor permit with ABC Estabrook Inc. for the Estabrook Park Beer Garden that would begin after Nov. 30, 2026, carry an initial seven‑year term and include a three‑year renewal option upon mutual agreement. Contracts manager Robert Singlaub described the vendor relationship dating to a 2012 RFP and said the vendor has invested in the site.
"Since 2012 ... Hans and ABC Estabrook has paid the county, over $2,100,000 in commission payments," Singlaub said. He outlined the key financial terms: a 20% commission on alcoholic beverages, 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages, a seasonal $900/month utility fee subject to annual review, and a minimum $50,000 capital‑improvement commitment over the course of the agreement.
Operator Hans Weiskerber, the managing director for the Estabrook operation, described planned work including pathway and surface repairs and historic‑building maintenance. In response to a question about disposable packaging and single‑use plastics, Weiskerber said most service is in glass: "I would say, 90% of everything we serve is served in glass," and that plastic is used only in limited circumstances and for certain foodservice items.
Supervisor O'Connor moved to recommend the lease and vendor permit; the committee approved the recommendation on a 7–0 roll call. The item was also referred to the committee on finance as part of regular review.
