Freeman Staff

July 2, 2019

MENOMONEE FALLS — The logo for the new Waterlin Coffee Bar and Bistro is of a block of ice with harvesting tools — symbolizing the area’s historic ice harvesting industry and the man who started it on the Menomonee River.

The all-day bistro and bar is set to open this summer in the former Radisson Hotel, which is undergoing a major $3.5 million conversion to a Delta Hotel by Marriott.

The new restaurant is named after Francis Waterlin, who along with John Martin, started the ice harvesting industry on the Menomonee River in 1897, according to the announcement. At the time, without refrigeration, the only way to enjoy ice and keep things cold was to harvest ice from rivers, lakes and ponds.

Waterlin will occupy a 6,100-squarefoot space with a gray and white color palette with exposed industrial beams, heavy wood tables and custom artwork depicting scenes and instruments used in ice harvesting.

According to Monday’s announcement, more than $300,000 has been invested in the transformation which includes a full-service coffee bar, large dining areas, center bar and grab-andgo marketplace.

The menu will also be inspired by the ice harvesting theme, including the serving platters and utensils. The bartenders will ask how a person takes their ice and then offer hand-chopped, small block, shaved or crushed ice for drinks, according to the announcement.

Located at N88-W14750 Main St., Waterlin will feature Stone Creek Coffee, morning pastries and grab-and-go breakfast options. Waterlin will serve a full menu from lunch until dinner daily. Later in the day, the focus will shift to the bar and small bites.

“We believe Menomonee Falls needed another great place to gather around food, drink and company,” said Chadd Scott, hotel general manager.

Both Waterlin and Delta Hotel in Menomonee Falls are managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group, a Schaumburg, Illinois-based operator.