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."
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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