Red Arrow Park coffee shop space available to lease, county announces

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Parks on Thursday, Oct. 26 announced it is seeking a tenant vendor for the former Red Arrow Park coffee shop space.

Red Arrow Park, located along Water Street downtown, hosts community gatherings year round and the "Slice of Ice" ice skating rink each winter. The parks department said Slice of Ice welcomes over 45,000 families each season.

"With this prime location becoming available at Red Arrow Park, we are excited for the potential for a new collaboration that will continue to benefit our park visitors for years to come," said Joe Mrozinski, assistant director of recreation and business services.

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For the upcoming ice skating season, Milwaukee County Parks said it will bridge the gap by offering hot chocolate, coffee and bottled beverages for skaters and park users to purchase. A Starbucks had occupied the space for 20 years, Mrozinski said, and that lease ends at the end of November. 

"We loved having Starbucks in the park, they have chosen to locate elsewhere," Mrozinski said. "We think it'll be unrealistic to have someone come in new, being that Starbucks will be there until the end of November, so we plan to offer some things in house like hot chocolate and coffee with the new vendor starting in the spring of 2024.

The park is also an integral part of the Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040, a news release said.

"We're really open to any ideas. It is a rare opportunity where we have a prime downtown location," said Mrozinski.

Any interested parties can submit their interest in an RFP through the county website. Anyone with RFP proposal questions can call 414-223-8812 or email suzanne.carter@milwaukeecountywi.gov.