Get ready for something new moving into the former Penzeys Spices location in Whitefish Bay: North 48 bar and craft cocktail lounge. 

According to a Facebook post, the Whitefish Bay Village Plan Commission approved a permit for North 48 for the former spice shop found at 619 E. Silver Spring Drive – plans that were confirmed by owner Jordan Cole. 

Penzeys moved out of the location in September 2020 after the local spice maker declined to renew its lease. The spice company still has a dozen locations in Wisconsin, including in Brookfield, Greenfield, Wauwatosa and on Water Street in Milwaukee. 

As for the new tenant, the Whitefish Bay spot would mark the third location for North 48 – named after the 48th parallel near the Boundary Waters – after its original lounge in Cedarburg and second location in Oconomowoc. According to Cole, the new Whitefish Bay bar would follow in the style of its initial Cedarburg locale, serving up a similar up-north woodsy lodge vibe along with its menu of drinks including beer, wine and, most notably, freshly made craft cocktails – plus some twists for the new spot. Cole also expects, much like the other two North 48 locations, to serve pizza from Mequon Pizza Company to go with the drinks. 

The new North 48 bar and cocktail lounge in Whitefish Bay is currently aiming for a late summer opening. 

For more updates on the new spot – including a first look – stay tuned to OnMilwaukee.