Sheboygan helped build a $600 million empire
A retired Bucks player opened Wendy's on Sheboygan's southwest side in 1995
SHEBOYGAN — 30 years ago this summer, a Milwaukee Bucks basketball player opened a Wendy’s restaurant on Sheboygan’s southwest side.
Built by Sheboygan-based Jos. Schmitt Construction on what once was the Zimbal Farm, the restaurant on South Taylor Drive near Washington Avenue opened in August 1995. "We are very excited to bring Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburger quality, menu variety and value to Sheboygan with a beautiful new restaurant," said Junior Bridgeman, who retired from the Bucks after 12 years playing in the NBA.
The restaurant was last remodeled in 2014.
Jos. Schmitt Construction also built the Wendy’s restaurant on Calumet Avenue in Manitowoc. That too was a Bridgeman franchise. At one point, he operated over 450 restaurants. In 2016, he sold 100 Wendy's locations to a private buyer. The locations in Sheboygan and Manitowoc are now owned by Bridgeman’s son Ryan Bridgeman.
Bridgeman died in March 2025 at the age of 71.
In 1995, the City of Sheboygan purchased land from the Zimbal Family for $671,000 and the city spent another $871,000 to construct the Greewing Ponds. The project was part of Tax Incremental District #8 which helped spur development in the area.
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