A public notice posted Monday, Feb. 3 delivered the news that On The Bus, the longtime vegan vendor at the Milwaukee Public Market, had permanently closed.
On the Bus opened in August of 2017, bringing a menu of smoothies, sandwiches and other vegan offerings – including dairy-free ice cream – to the market. Even more memorably, Owner Emily Ware served up the menu from a counter constructed from her very first vehicle, a ‘71 Volkswagen bus.
We called Ware, who confirmed that the venue was permanently closed. She cited ongoing financial difficulties as the reason behind the decision.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue my dream,” she noted.
Paul Schwartz, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Market and Business Improvement District #2 released the following statement on behalf of the Market.
"We were recently informed that On The Bus has ceased operations at Milwaukee Public Market,” he wrote. “We want to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation for what On The Bus brought to the Market and Milwaukee since they began operating in 2017. After a record-breaking year for total vendor sales at the Market, we remain committed to fostering a vibrant and diverse culinary destination and look forward to welcoming a new vendor to serve our community and the millions of patrons who visit the Market each year.”
He encouraged patrons to follow the Milwaukee Public Market on social media and sign up for their email newsletter for updates.
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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