Milwaukee's Victor's Nightclub closing; hosts farewell New Year's party
MILWAUKEE - Victor's Nightclub on Milwaukee's east side is closing after nearly six decades in business.
The well-known bar near the corner of Van Buren and Knapp streets is making a grand exit, and staying open for 24 hours for New Year's Eve.
Ringing in the new year with nostalgia, a large crowd packed into Victor's Nightclub on Milwaukee's east side for one last New Year's Eve party as the club prepares to shut its doors.
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Jimmy Jones and his brother John own the business on Van Buren and Knapp, along with their brother Victor.
"We’re getting old, it’s time," co-owner Jimmy Jones said. "Things are changing a lot. The nightclub business appears to be down nationally, like 25%."
For them, the goodbye is bittersweet, as their father Victor Jones started the business in 1966.
"We really didn’t want to close this early, but we came up with family issues, and we thought some people just want to go their own ways," co-owner John Jones said.
Over the years, politicians, top athletes and Hollywood stars have all graced the dance floor, along with loyal customers.
"Maybe in the 70s, I have been coming that long," customer Ann Herring said.
"I would say legally, 91, but before that, early 80s," said customer Vickie Rock. "It's just a remembrance of the great times that we have had and the friendships that we have held on to."
These two couldn’t miss the chance to say goodbye after decades on the dance floor.
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An indelible impact the Jones brothers say will be their ever-lasting mark on Milwaukee nightlife.
"What you hear from other people, how they came here, how they grew up, how their parents met here, how they met their spouse there," John Jones said. "Their kids come in later in life."
"I’m going to miss all the wonderful people that have been customers, but they've been falling off the tables over the years anyways," Jimmy Jones said.
The well-known bar is partying until New Year’s Day, officially closing its doors Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 1. The family is trying to figure out their next steps together.