It was August of 2023 that 41Fork Hospitality took on the operations of multiple concepts in the Associated Bank River Center, located just behind the Saint Kate Arts Hotel along Kilbourn Avenue and the Milwaukee River at 111 E. Kilbourn Ave.
But, after two years, the hospitality company has announced that it will be concluding its operations of the River Center Market and Vault Cocktail Bar. The final day of operations for Knockbox Coffee, Toro Tacos & Bowls, and On Rye Deli will be Aug. 15, and Vault will conclude its run on Aug. 30.
“These spaces were created with heart, creativity, and a deep love for Milwaukee,” said Kaelyn Cervero, Founder of 41Fork Hospitality. “While this decision wasn’t easy, it allows us to focus our energy and resources on what’s ahead, and what’s ahead is incredibly exciting.”
Refocusing energy
The future includes focusing on the groups two flagship venues. The first is Pearl & Cade, the sleek modern events venue in the Third Ward, which opened its doors in June. The newly reimagined space accommodates elevated weddings, corporate events and gatherings.
The second is Brixton’s Turn, an historically inspired venue which will open in the former carriage house at 339 E. Stewart St. in the Harbor District in spring of 2026. The venue will also become the new headquarters for Noble Catering & Events.
NEAT, 41Fork’s bar and beverage division, will continue to operate as the exclusive beverage purveyor at Pearl & Cade, as well as offering off-site events and mobile-bar experiences. Fan-favorite cocktails from Vault Cocktail Bar will be transitioned to the NEAT beverage menu.
Looking ahead to fall, guests can also look forward to a curated series of wine and bourbon pairing dinners hosted at Pearl and Cade. Details are expected to be announced soon at pearlandcade.com and noblecateringco.com.
Join in on the send-offs
Guests are invited to revisit the Associated Bank Center and Vault during the month of August to take advantage of closing specials and events.
For instance, a special farewell event on Aug. 15 will raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s important work.
Vault will also host a variety of special events, which will be shared at vaultmke.com.
41Fork will also explore pop-up concepts and special event collaborations for the Knockbox, Toro and On Rye concepts.
“We’re endlessly grateful to our guests, team members, and community partners who made River Center Market and Vault such special places,” Cervero added. “This isn’t the end, it’s a transformation. We’re honored to continue raising the bar for hospitality in Milwaukee.”
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.