Carolyn Fath
Joshua Berkson and Patrick Sweeney are planning to open a pizzeria down the block from Merchant, the restaurant they opened in 2010.
Managing partners in the new venture will be Tom Dufek and Maddy Van Elzen, according to a liquor and beer license application filed with the city of Madison.
The new eatery, to be called Lucille, is planned for 101 King St, currently the home of Isthmus.
Lucille will be centered around a "huge tiled artisanal Neapolitan dome pizza oven in the middle of a beautiful wrap-around bar and mezzanine," according to a description of the project filed with the city.
Lucille is projected to have 150 to 175 seats. Seating will be on the first floor along with the bar and kitchen, in the triangular-shaped mezzanine area overlooking the bar, and in the basement level.
No menu is currently available, but the restaurant's inspirations include the farmers' market as well as "old-school Wisconsin tavern culture," according to the license application.
Lucille will also host neighborhood gatherings, wine, beer and farm dinners and music events.
The building, which was owned by former Isthmus publisher Vince O'Hern, was sold to Urban Land Interests. Isthmus offices will be moving to new digs at 100 State St. in May.
Merchant co-owner Patrick Sweeney noted that a meeting with the neighborhood will be scheduled in early April. The Alcohol License Review Committee meets next on April 15.
