Two of Wisconsin's best-known pro athletes are joining forces in the restaurant business. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun have signed licensing agreements with SURG restaurant group for a restaurant in Brookfield.

It will be called 8*twelve MVP Bar & Grill, serving American classics such as steak and seafood prepared on a wood-fire grill, according to SURG partner Omar Shaikh. It's expected to open in late June.

The name, of course, refers to the players' jersey numbers; Rodgers' is No. 12, Braun's is No. 8. Braun was voted major-league baseball's most valuable player in the National League after the 2011 season, and Rodgers is the reigning National Football League MVP.

Both players are expected to make appearances at 8*twelve, which takes the place of the former Charro in Brookfield, at 17800 W. Blue Mound Road. Charro, a pan-Latin restaurant owned by SURG, closed in August.

Shaikh declined to say whether the players have ownership stakes in the restaurant.

SURG partner Mike Polaski said the group will explore whether to open other 8*twelve restaurants, possibly in Madison and in the Fox Valley.

Aaron Patin, who joined the restaurant group last year after working in Nashville and Chicago, will be head chef at 8*twelve.

It's the first restaurant deal for Rodgers. Braun already is affiliated with the SURG group through Ryan Braun's Graffito, an Italian restaurant at 102 N. Water St.

Braun initially was affiliated with a restaurant at the Third Ward location that opened in spring 2010 under different ownership. That restaurant, Ryan Braun's Waterfront, closed in November 2010 and reopened in spring 2011 as Graffito under SURG ownership. Braun is in a licensing agreement with SURG for Graffito but isn't an owner.

Diners can follow the progress of the new restaurant online, www.facebook.com/8TwelveMVP. Contact Carol Deptolla at cdeptoll@jrn.com or at (414) 224-2841.