The wait for Bumstead Provisions, Bay View’s newest multi-functional bar, restaurant, deli and grocer, is nearly over. According to co-owner Mike Bodow, Bumstead will officially open its doors at 2671-75 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. on Monday, Sept. 19.
The concept, which includes a full service deli and grocer, along with a bar and restaurant, will offer up inventive new dishes and beverages, as well as and high end grocery and deli items like meats, cheeses, seafood, foraged mushrooms and other hard-to-find items, along with a curated selection of craft beers and wines.
Thus far, we've traced the progress of the unique venue closely, from the announcement of its launch in spring of 2015, through the development of the concept and its construction, which moved forward significantly this summer. And we can't wait to get a look at the final interior, which promises to be as remarkable as the concept itself.
"It's been a long year full of sleepless nights, but we knew if we kept fighting we would make the dream of opening in Bay View happen," notes Bodow. "We're basically beside ourselves knowing that it's about to come true, and we can't wait to meet the community."
The venue, which will inhabit two spaces – one which housed ReThreads and another which was home to Strehlow's True Value Hardware – will blend modern convenience with the historic look and feel of the space, the assets of which include a moving library ladder and hardware storage compartments and a beautiful punched metal ceiling.
Tabletops made from cabinet doors from the old hardware store will add interest to the space, while original shelving units and brick walls will hearken back to the inhabitants of yore.
Watch OnMilwaukee for additional details, including a peek at some of the inventive items on the Bumstead menu.
Work for Bumstead
Bumstead Provisions will be conducting open interviews for positions including sous chef, cook, food runner, dishwasher, hosts, servers, bartenders and deli and retail positions (expertise in meats, cheeses desired) beginning next week.
Interviews will take place at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co., 224 W. Bruce St., Monday, Aug. 15-Thursday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
.jpeg)
