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AP Bar & Kitchen, 814 S. 2nd St., has been sold to new owners. As a result, the restaurant will observe its last service on Saturday, Oct. 14.
"I’ve entertained a number of offers to buy the business in recent years, but this was about timing," notes owner Justin Anthony. "I was offered an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up working with a friend of mine in Palo Alto, California. It's with a great, growing food and beverage company. And I’ll be able to work with friends from my past that I’ve always adored. You just can’t say no when that happens."
Anthony disclosed that the new ownership includes John Revord and Mitch Ciohon of Boone & Crocket and Gypsy Taco, as well as Chef Shay Linkus of Vanguard. The new concept may open before the end of the year.
"I know they have something exciting planned," he says. "And I think it will be a great fit for the neighborhood."
Anthony notes that owning and operating AP over the the years has been a privilege.
"It’s been a wonderful learning experience for me, and I’ve been glad to have been part of this community," he says. "One of the biggest things I’ve taken away from it all is that you can come from a background of so many different experiences and want to be able to bring all of that to the table. But, it’s not about ego. The first rule is really to be empathetic to your customers, your neighbors and your community.
"The joy in this has been employing so many people, watching them grow and seeing them go off and do bigger and better things. It’s been a lesson in humility. We never did everything perfectly, and we were always learning. I can’t say how grateful I am for all the support we’ve had. And I’d love to invite everyone to scoot on in and visit us during these last days. Come in and let’s celebrate together."
Information on the new concept will be forthcoming. Watch OnMilwaukee for additional details as they become available.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
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