Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe is open for business for the last time on Friday, Feb. 20.
The cafe, located at 3338 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, served as a gathering place for food, coffee, connection and community since 2021.
Ongoing economic challenges like rising costs and changing consumer patterns led the business to close its doors for good, said founder and owner Sam Belton.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, what we built together will always live on, in the relationships formed with neighbors, the memories shared with patrons, and the community we were honored to serve,” said Belton, a longtime educator and jazz musician in a statement. “We remain hopeful about what’s next and grateful for the journey.”
Sam’s Place was known to host live music, spoken word and other events. The cafe served coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner items in a jazz-themed setting.
Community members are invited to visit Sam’s Place and say their goodbyes during its final day of operation from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20.
A place to connect
Dan Bader, president and CEO of Bader Philanthropies, said his organization moved to the Harambee neighborhood on Milwaukee’s North Side in 2018 to connect with others and enrich how the foundation sees its work.
The foundation invested in Sam’s Place, located across the street from its office, so the business could provide a gathering space and meet the needs of Harambee neighbors and others, Bader said in a statement.
“Sam’s Place’s enabled people from around Milwaukee to engage in meaningful dialogue and imagine what is possible for our community,” Bader said.
Belton said the support from Bader Philanthropies was more than an investment, but a statement of belief in him and the community.
“We are thankful for their commitment and for standing with us as we grew a space where everyone belongs,” Belton said.
For updates and future plans, follow Sam’s Place at samsplacejazz.com.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
