Exactamundo - a cupcake restaurant may work in NYC .... and get away with charging $5 a cupcake, but not here - not ever!
the issue is milwaukee owners always try to duplicate what works in other cities here, and 9 times out of 10, it fails. why? oh, the fuck if I know....maybe because what works in NY or Miami or LA, works there because of the weather, cost of living, social needs/expectations etc....and when its brought here, it fails or doesn't meet the required sales line to pay off the wonderful remodel and operation costs.
parking, affordability, friendly prompt service, and entertainment. thats what milwaukee likes, and thats what typically succeeds (sans clubs, as those flip every 6 to 8 months).