Who was Hugo?
This restaurant’s namesake was Hugo Cherubini. He was a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Hugo was one of four children born in Milwaukee to immigrants Giacomo and Angelina Cherubini. When Angelina died at far too young an age, Giacomo returned to Italy, taking his two sons – Hugo and Mario – with him. The boys returned to Milwaukee several years later and were housed at St. Aemelian’s Orphanage for Boys. They remained there until their older sister, Nicolina, married and was able to take them into her home.
Hugo joined the U.S. Army, and was one of the tens of thousands of gallant soliders who were part of the D-Day invasion of Europe. During his service, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. After returning to civilian life, he founded Hugo Cherubini Construction.
Hugo was enormously proud of his Italian heritage. One of the ways he manifested that was by being one of the founders of the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. This troupe of men and women, all volunteers, practiced at Hugo’s Milwaukee home. And they did so for more than 30 years. The group still exists. It’s now known as Tradizione Vivente (Living Traditions), and performs regularly at Festa Italiana, the Holiday Folk Fair and at a variety of other events.
So why is this restaurant named after him?
One of Hugo's granddaughters and her husband, Jerelynn and Billy Hilger, opened this restaurant so the memory and legacy of Hugo will never end. Hugo was synonymous with the kind of hospitality we seek to provide for all our guests.
Welcome to Hugo’s Steak House.
