Comet Café and Fuel Café are closing indefinitely, the owners said Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Comet at 1947 N. Farwell Ave. closed July 5. The restaurant said at the time it was to fix its ventilation system.
Comet employees said management has known about issues with the ventilation system for months and a few employees started refusing to work at the beginning of July.
Sunday will be the last day of carryout service at Fuel, 818 E. Center St.
"This decision was difficult, but necessary, as both restaurants have struggled to remain financially viable during the COVID-19 health crisis," Co-owner Leslie Montemurro said in an email. "We are grateful to our customers for their loyalty and support over the years and for our staff who has always worked hard to make these restaurants a welcome gathering place in our communities."
All restaurants were forced to close or switch to to-go only models in March when state- and city-wide stay at home orders went into effect. Comet reopened for pickup and delivery April 21 and its dining room for limited service at the end of June. Fuel opened for pick up and carry out at the end of May.
Comet and Fuel are owned by Mojofuco Restaurants. The group also owns Hit Hat Lounge, The Garage and Balzac on Brady Street.
"Staff has been informed of the closures," Montemurro said in the email. "We hope to resume operating at both locations at some time in the future when it is appropriate to do so."
About two dozen Comet employees had signed a letter to management outlining demands earlier this week. A small group of Comet employees met with Montemurro and her co-owner Scott Johnson Tuesday to discuss issues at the restaurant.
Bryan Bunce, who has worked at the restaurant for more than five years said the kitchen would routinely be between 110 and 120 degrees. Bunce said he had told management about issues with the ventilation system before the coronavirus pandemic forced the restaurant to close.
Bunce returned to the restaurant in late April. All employees were given incentive pay — $15 an hour plus tips. When the dining room reopened, employees returned to the normal pay scale.
Bunce, a line cook at Comet, said Montemurro and Johnson seemed receptive to needed changes during the meeting.
"I wasn't thinking that later in the week that they would be closing indefinitely," Bunce said. Employees received a message Friday that the restaurants would be closed indefinitely.
Sarah Hauer can be reached at shauer@journalsentinel.com or on Instagram @HauerSarah and Twitter @SarahHauer. Subscribe to her weekly newsletter Be MKE at jsonline.com/bemke.
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Comet Café and Fuel Café are closing indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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