By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Oct 28, 2016 at 11:30 AM Photography: Bobby Tanzilo

For the 10th straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2016."

Today is the last day of business for a classic Milwaukee pub.

According to a sign posted on the restaurant's door, John Hawks Pub, 100 E. Wisconsin Ave., will not renew its lease for its Riverwalk location.

John Hawks has a long history in Milwaukee.

Founder Robert Bell opened the pub in 1971 in the lower level at 607 N. Broadway, where it was expanded in 1986. It moved to its current location in 1990. In 2011, the restaurant was sold to Brian Ward, owner of Point Burger Bar and Ward's House of Prime. In January 2015, the concept was sold again. This time, it was turned over to Sonni Islami – owner of Blue Bay Family Restaurant in Mukwonago and Porticello restaurant in Oconomowoc – who has been the managing partner ever since.

Islami was not available for comment this morning.

Watch OnMilwaukee for details about new plans for the space as they develop.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.