View media coverage and photos here: MBJ, Milwaukee Magazine, OnMilwaukee, BizTimes, Urban Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE – August 30, 2023 – The Associated Bank River Center (“River Center”) in downtown Milwaukee announced today that its much-anticipated riverfront “Vault” bar is now open to the public. The new one-of-a-kind cocktail lounge features floor-to-ceiling views and a three-season terrace perched 50 feet above the Milwaukee River and focuses on classic and prohibition style cocktails while also offering beer, wine, and a selection of fine spirits.
Earlier in the summer, the River Center also opened three new dining destinations – KnockBox Coffee & Market, a convenient stop for coffee and on-the-go items; Toro Tacos & Bowls, an Asian-Latin inspired taqueria; and On Rye, a gourmet sandwich shop.
Working alongside Associated Bank, 41Fork Hospitality Management, formerly F Street Hospitality, designed the concepts and menus and will be overseeing operations for the new bar and food destinations. 41Fork Hospitality Management, which also operates recognizable dining establishments in Milwaukee, including Pizza Man, Noble Catering and Events and Timmers Resort, will offer special events and catering for businesses within the River Center. At Vault, guests are welcome to host events on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the bar is closed to the public.
"We have greatly enjoyed working alongside Associated Bank on this project and are thrilled to bring a unique bar experience to Milwaukee,” said Adam Miller, executive chef at 41Fork Hospitality Management. “The River Center Market is now one of downtown Milwaukee’s best spots for a quick coffee, a hand-made sandwich or a handcrafted cocktail.”
Food items at Vault will feature bar snacks, such as warm pimento cheese and crostini ($9) or a seasonal burrata salad ($13), as well as a raw bar featuring oysters ($23 for a dozen), tiger prawns ($18), ceviche ($13) and ahi tuna ($15). See the full menu at https://rivercentermarketmke.com/vault.
“With the opening of Vault and, previously, Knockbox Coffee & Market, Toro Tacos & Bowls and On Rye, we welcome visitors, locals and more to experience the intersection of work, play and stay in the heart of downtown,” said David Knight, senior vice president and director of real estate, Associated Bank. “Alongside the 41Fork Hospitality Management team, we are proud to have reinvested in a landmark building in downtown, and we invite the community to rediscover our section of the Milwaukee River while enjoying best in class drinks and food.”
In addition to the Vault, guests can enjoy the following dining and drink options at the River Center:
KnockBox Coffee & Market
For a drink or food on the go, KnockBox Coffee & Market provides signature coffee and market items for ease and flexibility, including various brewed coffee and espresso drinks from Stone Creek Coffee, Rishi teas, and handcrafted fruit smoothies. In the future, customers can also expect assorted local pastries (e.g., scones and croissants), “egg in a basket”-style breakfast sandwiches, and fresh bagels available for purchase in quantities of four and 20, perfect for a team meeting or breakfast for the office.
Toro Tacos & Bowls
A unique Asian-Latin inspired taqueria with a focus on tacos and bowls with healthy fresh ingredients, Toro Tacos & Bowls features menu items right around the $12 price point. Unique offerings, such as elote ramen bowls ($10); cauliflower tacos with avocado, grilled corn, gochujang, pickled onions and pepitas ($12); as well as Korean pork tacos with hoisin, cilantro lime crema, sesame and kimchi slaw ($12) will be sure to delight visitors to the River Center. You’ll also find assorted snacks for a quick grab & go bite, such as chips & queso ($7) and sweet corn cup ($5).
On Rye
Providing a quick stop for hand-made sandwiches, soups and salads, On Rye specializes in carved-to-order pastrami and corn beef, piled high with fresh baked breads, spreads and sauces. Served with caraway slaw or a pickle spear, for $10-$15 guests can order their deli sandwich of choice on fresh rye, marble rye, five grain or a hard roll.
The Associated Bank River Center
The River Center, which houses The Pabst Theater, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, as well as a diverse mix of other businesses, encapsulates the best of Milwaukee and its historic roots, bringing together the arts, finance, business, cuisine and tourism under one roof. In addition to its varied dining options, the newly renovated office tower also features a 100+ person state-of-the-art conference facility, a tech lounge, health club, a dedicated Associated Bank branch and more.
Earlier this year, Associated Bank also opened a dedicated River Center branch making it convenient for customers to accomplish their banking needs on site.
For more information about the River Center, please visit https://www.associatedbankrivercenter.com/. Parties interested in leasing opportunities can contact the Colliers team at mike.wanezek@colliers.com or matt.fahey@colliers.com.
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ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $41 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from more than 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. The company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.
About 41Fork Hospitality Management
41Fork Hospitality Management operates a unique collection of inspired dining and entertainment destinations, including Noble Catering and Events, Public House 55, Pizza Man, Pizza Man Pronto, Gulden Room at Dubbel Dutch Hotel, and Timmer’s Resort. We have created a version of memorable hospitality by providing quality food and service in interesting and fun environments. Transforming the simple into something remarkable.
