The Camp story began over 20 years ago when Paul Hackbarth started Sound by Design. In 2012, Paul purchased 4044 N Oakland to house his growing DJ company, the building offered two storefronts and ample parking, which is exactly what Sound by Design needed. At the time of purchase, Paul was unsure of what to do with that newly vacant second storefront. During a conversation with village officials, Paul was asked what he thought Shorewood needed. Paul candidly answered that the city lacked any nightlife and needed a great local bar.

That same week Paul and his wife Natalia closed on their cabins up north. During their five hour drive, Paul mentioned the conversation he had with the village. He knew that he wanted to open a quaint neighborhood bar, that would be a great place for the community to gather. It was not until they walked into their cabin, lit a fire, sat down to enjoy a celebratory beer that Paul realized the theme for Camp. He told Natalia, “Let’s build a bar that looks like this cabin and represents what up north means to us”.

That next morning, Paul met with family friend and architect Wade Weissmann who designed the first Camp on a cocktail napkin over breakfast up north. Camp Shorewood opened six months later and quickly expanded its footprint two months later. Within five short years, there are three Camp locations in different communities around the greater Milwaukee area. Plus our sister brands Campsite 131 & Deer Camp.