New Cafe Operator For Walker’s Point Building
Maria's Cafe is planned to replace Green Baked Goods.
Cafe space at 1100 S. 5th St. Photo taken May 25, 2023 by Sophie Bolich.
A new operator is slated to take over the cafe portion of Arts @ Large, restoring food and beverage service to the gallery’s Walker’s Point headquarters.
Mary Ramirez, a seasoned festival vendor, plans to open Maria’s Cafe at 1100 S. 5th St., offering coffee and espresso drinks, teas, matcha, and a limited food menu.
The former tenant, Green Baked Goods, closed its storefront in April but continues online and at local markets. Maria’s Cafe would fill the vacant 300-square-foot space as a counter-service operation, also featuring on-site dining and catering.
A proposed menu includes hot and iced espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and café de olla — a Mexican coffee drink brewed with cinnamon, cloves and piloncillo. Chamomile, cinnamon and green teas would also be available, alongside matcha lattes in flavors such as strawberry, mango and pineapple.
Food options range from light bites — pastries, fruit and yogurt parfaits — to more filling options like wraps, quesadillas and breakfast sandwiches. Despite serving hot food, the café has no hood, making it unable to produce fried items.
Maria’s Cafe could also play a role in Arts @ Large events, with a range of catering options including appetizers, baked goods, sandwich platters, charcuterie and beverage carts stocked with coffee, lemonade, bubble tea, dirty sodas or shaved ice.
Founded in 2001, the nonprofit Arts @ Large aims to increase access to the arts through education and community programming. The organization oversees artist residencies, hosts hands-on activations and runs the Walker’s Point center, which features a rotating on-site gallery with works from local artists, artist-in-residence programs and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students.
An Arts @ Large affiliate owns the building. In February, AAl Community Center LLC applied for liquor, food dealer’s and public entertainment licenses, though a floor plan excludes the proposed cafe space.
Pending city approval, Maria’s Cafe plans to open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ramirez did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
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