Water Street Brewery Group Sells Trinity Irish Pubs
The downtown Milwaukee pub complex on Juneau Avenue has been taken off the market by its owner.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Water Street Brewery Group has taken Trinity Three Irish Pubs, located at 125 E. Juneau Ave. in Milwaukee, off the market. The decision follows the death of Robert C. "R.C." Schmidt Jr. on Sept. 1.
Why it matters
The move keeps a long-running downtown Milwaukee bar complex under the control of the Schmidt family, which has held the property since 1991. Water Street Brewery Group plans to expand the menu, extend hours and make building improvements, signaling continued investment in the Water Street entertainment district.
The approximately 15,000-square-foot building dates to 1929 and has been controlled by the Schmidt family since 1991 through an affiliated LLC. The announcement does not disclose a sale price or buyer, and the status of the separate Vagabond property sale is not addressed.
The players
Water Street Brewery Group
A Milwaukee-area restaurant and brewery company that operates several Water Street Brewery locations and owns the Trinity Three Irish Pubs complex.
Matt Schmidt
The chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Water Street Brewery Group, part of the family that has run the company.
The Barry Company
A commercial real estate firm that marketed the Trinity and Vagabond properties for sale in July.
The details
Water Street Brewery Group announced in July it planned to sell Trinity and the Vagabond property, which The Barry Company marketed; the company has now said Trinity is off the market. An expanded menu of Irish-inspired dishes, burgers, sandwiches and specialty pub pizzas begins Thursday, Nov. 19, and Trinity will open at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The complex includes three bars: Gallagher's, Duffy's and Callen's.
Timeline
1929: Trinity building constructed.
1991: Schmidt family begins controlling the Trinity property.
July: Company announces plans to sell Trinity and the Vagabond property.
Sept. 1: Robert C. "R.C." Schmidt Jr. dies at age 76.
Thursday, Nov. 19: Expanded menu and operating changes begin at Trinity.
Market Landscape
Water Street Brewery Group had announced in July it would sell Trinity and the Vagabond property, a plan that has now changed with Trinity taken off the market. The reversal keeps a downtown Milwaukee pub complex under family control while the company continues operating its other Water Street Brewery locations in Oak Creek, Delafield and Grafton.
Milwaukee diners and pub-goers will see an expanded food menu and Saturday and Sunday openings at 11 a.m. at Trinity starting Nov. 19. Customers can expect the same three bars, live music every Saturday and more than 35 televisions as the building undergoes improvements.
The takeaway
For Milwaukee residents, the decision means one of downtown's long-standing bar complexes will keep its current owners and its Irish-themed format. Check hours before visiting, since the new schedule takes effect with the Nov. 19 menu launch.
What happens next
Trinity's expanded menu and changed hours begin Thursday, Nov. 19, and the pub will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Milwaukee openings and closings to see how local restaurant and bar changes are unfolding.
