History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin - Businesses - Bars and Clubs

 
BJ's Mint Bar / BJ's
Location: 819 S. 2nd Street, Milwaukee WI

Opened:
Closed:

1991
1993
Clientele:

Male/ female
Bar/ social

 

    
       
 

BJ's Mint Bar had been The Mint, then briefly Angelo's until being called simply "The Mint" again. Then in December 1991, a blurb appeared in In Step magazine (vol. 8-25 p40) saying simply that "The Mint is now BJ's Mint and is being run by Bob Dietz." It was thus the 3rd bar to bear the "Mint" name, with new owners Bob Dietz and Jim Jones but longtime Mint Bar owner Bettie Aiello still often seen there holding court.

Less than a year later, after the death of Bettie Aiello, the Mint Bar name disappeared (for the first time since 1949, when the original Mint Bar opened), and owners Bob and Jim gave the business their initials as the entire name. The bar was remodeled, and a Grand Opening party was held in November 1992 for the new "BJ's".

More information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.


BJ's Lonely Hearts Club Newsletter
(circa early 1990s; courtesy Jerry Johnson archive)
 
 


Advertisement, Dec. 1991


Advertisement, Dec. 1992


Advertisement, June 1993

Credits: contents, design and arrangement by Don Schwamb.
Last updated: July-2020.

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