Milwaukee bids farewell to another food-based business today, as news circulates that Simmer – the food truck, cafe and caterer – has closed up shop.
Simmer, which began in 2013 as a food truck operation specializing in soups, panini and salads, also operated a cafe at 718 N. Water St. as well as a kiosk at the food court at Mayfair.
Owners Steve Perlstein and Jennifer Block announced the official closing today on Facebook, and Perlstein confirmed the news by phone, noting that their latest project – a kiosk at Mayfair Mall – turned out to be a drain on the business and its resources.
"The Mayfair project was delayed and delayed," notes Perlstein. "Altogether, it was an expensive operation, and once we finally opened in December, the business just wasn’t there to support it."
Ultimately, says Perlstein, it was time to move on. "We were able to make it work with the cafe, catering and renting out our space, but in the end, we knew it was time to change direction."
Perlstein says he’s not sure exactly which direction he and Block are headed, but both are seeking out food related positions in the Milwaukee area.
"We really gave it a good effort. It was a great three years, and I definitely don’t regret it. It was hard, but really rewarding. And now it’s just time to try something new."
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
