Despite its strong opening in June of 2019 and demand from the community, the Mequon Public Market, 6300 W. Mequon Rd., has not been immune to the effects of COVID-19.
According to Cindy Shaffer, developer of the Mequon Public Market, three of the Market vendors – Bavette La Boucherie, Beans and Barley and Bowls – have made the decision not to reopen their storefronts.
"All three have long standing Milwaukee locations and ultimately decided to focus on those locations," notes Shaffer. "While we are sad to see them go, we are pleased with the response we have had for the space and have leases out for all three. Despite the pandemic, many Mequon Public Market vendors experienced record sales in recent months demonstrating their engagement with the Mequon community."
Shaffer also underscores that the Market has a variety of plans to engage consumers this summer.
"We have a number of up-coming community events and are excited to enter the summer months with even more opportunities to introduce people to Spur 16 and the Mequon Public Market vendors," notes Shaffer. "Currently an outdoor makers market is being held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors range from produce, honey, flowers to gift items such as textiles, jewelry and other handmade creations."
"While no one could have expected a pandemic in their first year, all of us at Spur 16 and The Mequon Public market are optimistic and encouraged as we enter our second year serving the Mequon community," she adds.
Current vendors at the Market include Anodyne Coffee, Cafe Corazon, Happy Dough Lucky, La Terre, Purple Door Ice Cream, Santorini Grill and Screaming Tuna (Lil’ Tuna). The Market is currently open for curbside and carryout only. However, patrons are welcome to make use of outdoor seating, which is spaced out to allow for appropriate social distancing.
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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