Restaurants & Bars
Eric Trump Pays Visit To Waukesha Restaurant
The Neighbors Bar and Grille in Waukesha hosted Eric Trump, the president's son, on Tuesday during his visit.
WAUKESHA,WI— Chris Potratz , owner of The Neighbors Bar and Grille in Waukesha was shocked when he heard the restaurant would be getting a visit from Eric Trump, President Donald Trump's son and the executive vice president of the Trump Organization.
The Trump campaign announced Eric Trump was visiting Milwaukee on August 18.
A secret service agent pulled Potratz aside and said Trump would be coming to lunch.
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"I was told that the Republican Party of Waukesha County recommended us to one of the secret service agents," Potratz told Patch.
Potratz was instructed not to tell anyone, however, he did let his bartender know, as she was working with him.
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The Secret Service had to check the bar area out and ask if firearms were on the premises.
Potratz said he only spoke to Trump briefly during his lunch but said he was very nice.
"Eric Trump thanked me for running a business during these times and said he wished he could have a beer with us," Potratz said.
The Secret Service preordered food for Trump and his party. Potratz believes he had the restaurant's pesto panini and drank an iced tea.
The party stayed for over an hour.
Potratz didn't want to snap pictures of Trump or bother him. The customers inside were quite taken aback and one customer managed to get a Trump button signed.
Potratz didn't leave empty-handed.
As a token of appreciation, the Secret Service agent gave him a coin for his hospitality.
The restaurant owner said no matter where you lean politically, the experience was surreal.
"No matter what politician comes to your establishment on either side, I would have the same reaction," Potratz said.
There have been famous people before such as football star JJ Watt and local news personalities who have walked in the door. This experience felt unique to the Waukesha restaurant owner.
His take is people should relax on arguing about politics. Potratz told Patch it is not going to be perfect no matter who is elected.
On social media, Potratz thanked Trump for visiting the restaurant on Tuesday.
"That was fun!" Trump replied.
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