New Port Hotel owners plan a return to the past

The historic Port Hotel building in downtown Port Washington has been sold to RSF Investments LLC of Cedarburg.

Ryan and Sarah Fitting, owners of RSF Investments, said they are in talks with a potential operator for both the Port Hotel restaurant and the inn.

“Nothing has been finalized and there is no immediate timeline for reopening,” they said in a statement. “It is our hope that the inn will resume operations as before.”

The couple, who said they bought the building because it’s an attractive investment, said they are continuing to address deferred maintenance projects and make upgrades to the Port Hotel “to better prepare it for its next life and to ensure it will again be an iconic destination for residents and visitors alike.

“We also recognize the history and character of the property and its place in the city and hope to achieve a renewed life and appeal that all can be proud to visit.”

Port officials were heartened by the news. 

“If it’s going to be reused as a restaurant and a hotel, that can only benefit downtown Port Washington and the city as a whole,” Bob Harris, the city’s director of planning and development, said.

A hotel and restaurant will not only draw people to downtown who will patronize other businesses, it will also generate more room tax revenue “that will translate into additional funds for tourism marketing,” City Administrator Tony Brown said. “It will bring people to the city. That’s a positive development.”

Mayor Marty Becker said he hopes the new restaurant will draw on the legacy of the Port Hotel, saying, “It’s a classic supper club. It’s always been an asset, a destination. It’s exciting news.”

The property at 101 E. Main St., which was previously owned by Port Washington State Bank, was purchased for $425,000, according to the Ozaukee County Register of Deeds office.

The history of the Port Hotel dates back to 1835, when it was built as the American House and served as a hotel and tavern. It operated under various owners until the hotel closed in 1973, but the restaurant survived.

For decades, the Port Hotel was run by Dave and Debbie Wickesberg, and they in turn sold the business to Joe Zankl in 1997.

In 2005, Zankl returned the business to its roots by opening the 10-room inn above the restaurant. Zankl closed the restaurant in 2017, and later leased the restaurant to Ashley’s Bar-B-Que, but that proved a short-lived venture.

The inn closed its doors in November 2019, and Port Washington State Bank bought the building the following year.