Ally’s Bistro Of Menomonee Falls To Add Wauwatosa Location

Wauwatosa, WI— Ally’s Bistro of Menomonee Falls is planning to open a second location in Wauwatosa in the 105-year-old, historic powerhouse building located at 10460 Innovation Drive in the Milwaukee County Research Park.

The historic building is being restored by Mandel Group, Inc. as part of its Crescent Apartments development which is under construction. The new café will be known as “Ally’s Powerhouse Café.”

Rodney Zimmerman, who owns and operates Ally’s with his wife Michelle and three children said the time was right to add a second location.

Zimmerman told Patch the Wauwatosa area is perfect with its residential and business locations mixed in.

The powerhouse building features stunning 27-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and expansive arched windows throughout.

"It is a rough shell right now but still stunning," Zimmerman said.

Michelle Zimmerman also added that the building is beautiful and reflects history.

Speaking of history, the couple has been married for 31 years. Rodney and Michelle met and married while working for Champ's Family Restaurant in Merrill, Wisconsin years ago. Rodney's family owned that business, and he got his feet wet in the food industry at 12, working odd jobs for the family.

While working side by side can have its ups and downs, the couple enjoys being on the same team.

In 2011, the Zimmerman family started from scratch when opening the location in Menomonee Falls. The restaurant has seen a growth especially in its corporate catering.

Zimmerman added, “In 2011, our family opened Ally’s Bistro in Menomonee Falls and are blessed to have built a large, loyal following. We have made many friends who have been regular patrons for years. Ally’s Powerhouse Café will feature our favorites from our current menu at Ally’s Bistro along with some special new items developed just for Ally’s Powerhouse Cafe".

The restaurant will be providing dine-in, curbside, delivery, event/reception, and catering services at the Powerhouse Café.

Still 'sisters'

While both locations will be similar in some ways there will be differences. Michelle Zimmerman told Patch that patrons will still be able to tell "they are sisters."

Two popular items include a brainchild of Michelle's. The Brain Power Salad which is romaine, spinach, chilled salmon, feta cheese, blueberries, walnuts, red onions, avocado served with honey chia dressing.

Also of note is the No.#4, which is grilled chicken breast, chipotle mayo, avocado, bacon, provolone, and french's fried onions, served grilled on a salted pretzel bun.

A full-service cafe, Ally’s Powerhouse Café will be open for breakfast, lunch, and happy hour with a light dinner menu. Michelle said it will be a great spot for camaraderie with friends.

Ally’s current clientele includes extensive catering and boxed lunch service for nearby businesses as well as private business receptions.

The café design accommodates 40-50 patrons on a new exterior terrace that will feature fire pits and decorative lighting, while indoor seating includes areas accommodating private parties of up to 50 guests. The outdoor terrace connects to the guest terrace at the adjoining Marriott Springhill Suites Hotel.