A new bar and adjoining “food truck park” could open later this year in Walker’s Point.
Jesus Gonzalez wants to open Zocalo Tavern in a vacant 2,226-square-foot building located at 636 S. 6th St., according to a license application recently filed with the city.
The plans also include the creation of a food truck park, called Zocalo Food Park, on vacant land around the building. The two-story building sits on a 7,000-square-foot lot that would be used as a space for food trucks, outdoor seating and potentially for games such as soccer and bocce ball, according to the license application.
Sean Phelan, president of Milwaukee-based Phelan Development LLC, is partnering with Gonzalez on the project.
Gonzalez said they “are embarking on developing the first food truck park in Milwaukee … Zocalo’s vision is to cultivate partnerships with food entrepreneurs and create an ecosystem that embraces food enthusiasts. It will encompass distinct food trucks, on-site parking, outdoor seating and a beverage program.”
Gonzalez has owned and operated Mazorca taco truck since 2017. The popular mobile eatery has been closed for the winter since late November. When operational, its aluminum trailer sits on an empty lot at South First Street and West Pittsburgh Avenue.
Zocalo Tavern, slated for a May opening, would serve drinks and feature live entertainment.
The 159-year-old structure was purchased in 2017 by Mike Eitel who, as CEO of Caravan Hospitality Group, owns and operates Nomad World Pub on Brady Street, SportClub in East Town and the recently opened Tavern at Turner, among other bar restaurant concepts.
