When Empire Fish Company opened in 1913, they were a small local purveyor of fish from Lake Michigan and the surrounding waters. Now nearly 100 years later, after a partnership with Nesvig's Inc., Empire Fish Company is a large-scale wholesaler and retailer of both local seafood and fish from distant waters.
Boasting a newly redesigned retail store and a full service wholesale market, Empire Fish Company is one of few local dealers for fresh fish, never frozen and sustainably caught from coastal waters.
"We choose to buy from small, specialty artisan guys who are specialized in what they do. I have an oyster guy and a mussel guy, everything is caught rod and reel," Dan Ryan, general manager and fresh seafood buyer says.
In 1994, Empire teamed with Nesvig's Inc., a meat purveyor located in Madison, Wis., to act as sister companies and share trucks and shipping methods.
Providing seafood to dozens of fine dining restaurants throughout Wisconsin, Empire Fish successfully maintains a high standard for both wholesale and retail products.
"Fish really is the last wild caught food source. Where it's caught, the technique used, how it's shipped, it's all critical to how it tastes," Ryan says.
Empire Fish doesn't mess around when it comes to getting fish fresh. Sending purchasers to the Honolulu auction floor, they purchase live seafood right off the boat, fly it in the next day and line the retail window with never frozen product.
"We're very hands on, picky and particular about the body of water, people we buy from and the way it's caught," Ryan says.
While there are government agencies that overseeing fisheries in the United States, there is no international overseeing body or standard for seafood in the world.
Therefore, to ensure they are getting the best product possible, Empire Fish places significant importance on the country of origin and method of harvest.
Buying both whitefish and smelt locally in Wisconsin, Empire uses Rushing Waters Fishery in Palmyra, Wis. for fresh and smoked trout.
"We purchase most fish domestically because of the sustainability. Fishermen in the United States consider the long term affects of fishing where in other parts of the world, they think in the short term," Ryan says.
In addition to a cold case full of fresh fish and shrimp, Empire Fish Company also carries a good selection of frozen fish for costumers looking to lower the price point. Stocking shelves with all the necessary seasonings, preparations and side dishes, Empire Fish Company literally is a one stop shop for those looking to prepare a seafood dinner.
"If it's seafood, we either have it, can get it or it's extinct," Ryan says.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
