Milwaukee restaurateurs Fatima and Hanish Kumar have acquired the former The Cheel building in downtown Thiensville, Wisconsin, with plans for a new dining concept at the prominent Main Street site.
The couple, who own Saffron in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward and Aya in the city centre, completed the purchase alongside business partner Anup Khullar. The property is located at 105 S Main Street, in the middle of Thiensville’s downtown business district.
A new restaurant is already being developed, with the owners working with chef Abhishek Patil on what they describe as “an entirely new concept”. Further details, including the name and expected opening date, are due to be announced.
New dining concept planned for former The Cheel site
Fatima Kumar said the building was an important part of the local area and that the acquisition would allow the group to contribute to Thiensville’s future.
“This property is a focal point for downtown Thiensville, and securing it allows us to invest directly in the future growth and vibrant energy of the local community,” she said.
The building was most recently occupied by The Cheel, a restaurant known for its Nepali-inspired food. It closed in November 2024 after relocating to the Thiensville site in 2023.
The restaurant’s original premises were destroyed by a fire in November 2020. The owners later moved the business to the Main Street building, but announced its closure the following year.
The new owners said the former Cheel property occupies a highly visible position in the centre of Thiensville and represents an opportunity to create a fresh destination for diners in the community.
