Fundraising efforts have been launched in the aftermath of a devastating fire on Friday that destroyed the Bass Bay Brewhouse in Muskego and an adjacent residence.
The restaurant posted on its Facebook page that support from the community and Bass Bay family has been “overwhelmingly heart-warming.” “Words can’t describe the feelings that we have after going through this devastating loss. We are just happy that our family made it out in time and that everyone is safe and healthy.
“There are so many questions that need answers, but we are taking it day by day,” the post goes on to state. “There is a long road ahead of us, but we’re going to do everything that we can to build Bass Bay back better.”
The exact cause of the fire at the restaurant “may not be known for some time,” according to a statement from the Tess Corners Fire Department, which serves Muskego.
“Events like this – especially during the holiday season – remind us how quickly life can change and how important it is to look out for one another,” the fire department posted on its Facebook page.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
A pair of GoFundMe campaigns have been established, including one focused on raising funds for employees of Bass Bay Brewhouse, which is owned by Ryan Oschmann and Andy Meinen and located at S79 W15851 Aud Mar Dr. in residential Muskego.
“The loss has been felt deeply, not just by Ryan and Andy, but by their staff and the entire community who have come to rely on this special place,” the GoFundMe description states. “With the holidays approaching, the staff are facing uncertainty, and the future of the restaurant is at stake.” It also states that Bass Bay Brewhouse “has always been more than just a restaurant – it’s been a beloved gathering spot for friends, families and neighbors in our community.”
As of Tuesday evening, more than $69,000 of an increased goal of $75,000 (an initial goal was set at $50,000) had been raised for Bass Bay Brewhouse staffers.
The Oschmann family operated Aud-Mar Supper Club on the property from the 1950s until 2007, when it closed. In 2014, Oschmann, along with his mother, Laurie, and other partners, decided to return to the restaurant business and opened Bass Bay Brewhouse the following year.
Nobody was injured in the blaze, but the occupants of a residence attached to the restaurant were taken to local hospital as a precaution.
The Vanhoff family – AJ, his wife, Melissa, and their two girls – and Aud-Mar matriarch Laurie Oschmann – lived in the residence. A GoFundMe for the Vanhoff family had raised more than $32,000 of an increased goal of $35,000 by Tuesday evening after donations surpassed the initial $20,000 goal.
The GoFundMe description states that the fire “took away everything” from the family and left them with “nothing but hope in the kindness of others.” Funds raised will go directly to providing the family with essentials such as clothing, food and temporary housing.
Ryan Oschmann is also a co-owner of Milk Can Hamburgers and Frozen Custard on Janesville Road in Muskego. It’s accepting donations for Bass Bay Brewhouse.
“Our hearts are with our big brother,” a post on Milk Can’s Facebook page states. “Bass Bay and Aud Mar Banquet Hall are family to us. They’re the reason Milk Can exists, the places that taught us what community, hospitality and heart truly mean. We’re deeply saddened, but so incredibly moved by the outpouring of support Muskego has shown them. For now, their spirit lives on through us, the little sister, and we’ll carry that heartbeat forward until they rise again. We love you, Bass Bay. We love you, Aud Mar. This is not the end of your story.”
