Hooch MKE Will Open Downtown Bakery Location

The vegan bakery plans to expand into Milwaukee's 770 Building following a license application.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Screen-print poster illustration of artisanal vegan pastries on a tray, evoking the fresh atmosphere of a new neighborhood bakery. — Vegan bakery Hooch MKE has filed for a license to open a new location in downtown Milwaukee's 770 Building. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hooch MKE plans to open a new location at 770 N. Jefferson St. in East Town. The vegan bakery submitted a license application to the Milwaukee Common Council to secure the space.

Why it matters

The move allows the owner to transition away from a custom-order model to connect directly with customers. This expansion serves as a strategic step toward establishing a permanent cafe space in the Downtown market.

The proposed site sits at 770 N. Jefferson St., following the closure of the business's previous 3040 S. Delaware Ave. location. The bakery aims to occupy a commercial kitchen space capable of supporting window service and delivery pickups.

The players

Hooch MKE

This vegan bakery previously operated in Bay View and is now pursuing an expansion into the Downtown area.

Milwaukee Common Council

This legislative body is the governing authority responsible for reviewing and granting the license application required for the new bakery site.

The details

The bakery will serve breakfast and lunch items to test the market, with hours of operation adjusted specifically for Downtown customers. The 770 Building currently houses existing tenants including Shah Jee's and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee.

November 2025: Hooch MKE began operations in Bay View.
May 2026: The business ceased operations at its Bay View site.
September 24, 2026: The bakery announced its planned Downtown location.

Market Landscape

This move reflects a growing trend of specialized local food producers seeking high-traffic commercial hubs to scale operations beyond niche custom orders. It positions the bakery alongside established Downtown tenants in a competitive bid for lunch-hour spending.

Downtown workers and residents can expect a new vegan breakfast and lunch option at the 770 Building once the license is approved. The availability of window service and delivery pickup should provide a convenient alternative for those with limited midday breaks.

The takeaway

Transitioning from a custom-order business model to a retail-facing kitchen requires significant operational adjustments to meet daily demand. Owners should focus on refining their menu during the pilot phase to ensure long-term viability in a new commercial environment.