Construction of Parker John's in Grafton delayed
Construction on the restaurant was scheduled for this spring but has been delayed
GRAFTON — While the Village of Grafton approved plans for Parker John’s, construction on the popular barbecue restaurant has not started.
Construction was scheduled to begin this spring and be completed later this year according to Aaron Sloma, owner of Parker John’s, who spoke before the Grafton Plan Commission last year. According to Jessica Wolff, Grafton's Assistant Village Administrator, construction costs came back higher than anticipated and Sloma is considering his options for moving forward. Locals are hopeful the restaurant will still be built in the village, a suburb of Milwaukee with a population of over 12,000.
Parker John’s is still planning to open in Grafton. “While it’s true that building costs came back higher than anticipated, we’re actively revising our final plans,” said Jordan Saunders, the restaurant’s Director of Training & Marketing. “We intend to break ground this fall, laying the foundation so that construction can begin in spring 2026.”
The original proposal, which was approved in October 2024, called for a 5,820-square-foot restaurant on 2.3-acres of vacant land at Port Washington Road and Hunters Lane. It would be located across the street from Meijer. Included in the plans were a 1,830-square-foot outdoor dining patio and a parking lot for 92 vehicles.
“The Village supports the approved Parker John’s restaurant, it’s a great fit for Port Washington Road which continues to attract new development as a destination retail corridor,” said Wolff. “The community is very excited to have a unique sit-down restaurant in Grafton.” It would be the restaurant’s sixth location.
In 2008, Parker John’s opened their first location in Kiel. The restaurant has since opened locations in Sheboygan, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Appleton and Menasha. The beloved restaurant also operates seasonally at Road America and EAA.
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