They've won MVPs in the same year and are close friends. Now Ryan Braun and Aaron Rodgers have something else in common.
The two most popular sports figures in Wisconsin are going to be business partners.
Milwaukee-based SURG Restaurant Group announced Monday that Braun and Rodgers will open a new restaurant together in Brookfield, Wis.
Playing on both of their jersey numbers, the new restaurant, located at 17800 W. Bluemound Road, will be called 8*twelve and is set to open next May.
According to the release, both Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers' starting quarterback, and Braun, the Milwaukee Brewers' left fielder, played a large role in developing the concept as well as the menu — one that will feature American cuisine, steaks and seafood along with a woodfire grill in the kitchen.
"Wisconsin has the greatest fans in the country," Rodgers said in a release. "This is an excellent opportunity for me to work with Ryan on a project that will create something for fans of the Packers, Brewers and sports in general, to take part in and enjoy."
SURG Restaurant Group also owns Ryan Braun's Graffito, which is in Milwaukee's Third Ward.
"Aaron and I are not only great friends, but we both have wholeheartedly made long-term commitments to the sports fans of Wisconsin," Braun said in the release. "We wanted to give them a home base to celebrate their favorite teams and enjoy some great food and service."
The release described the décor of the restaurant as rustic, with the bar area more casual and sports themed, featuring memorabilia from the MVPs, plus many televisions.
Fans can also expect to see both MVPs make both scheduled and unscheduled appearances.
