La Masa Empanada Bar to open Milwaukee Public Market stall, adding scratch-made Argentine-inspired handheld meals

A second La Masa location is planned inside the Historic Third Ward market

La Masa Empanada Bar is set to open a new stall at the Milwaukee Public Market, expanding beyond its long-running Brady Street storefront on the city’s East Side. The market has identified the incoming operator as a new vendor located near the building’s main stairwell, alongside Thief Wine and Freese’s Candy Shoppe.

The Milwaukee Public Market, which opened in 2005 at 400 N. Water St. in the Historic Third Ward, leases space to local food businesses and has increasingly emphasized prepared foods as a core part of its vendor mix.

What La Masa says it will serve at the market

The planned market stall is expected to focus on La Masa’s oven-baked empanadas—handheld pastries built around made-from-scratch dough and a range of fillings. The announced menu includes traditional options such as Argentine beef with raisins, olives and hard-boiled egg, alongside nontraditional flavors including grilled chicken pesto and “Wisco Corn.” The stall is also expected to offer house-made sauces, including chimichurri.

In addition to empanadas, the market concept includes salads and sides such as jicama slaw, plus beverages. Dessert empanadas listed for the market include flavors such as banana-Nutella and dulce de leche. Retail items are also planned, including take-and-bake empanadas and house-made sangria packaged for purchase.

• Core focus: oven-baked, scratch-made empanadas served with house sauces
• Menu range: traditional Argentine-style fillings and fusion-style options
• Additional items: salads, slaw and other sides; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Retail component: take-and-bake empanadas and packaged sangria

Who is behind the expansion

La Masa has described the business as co-owned by Brad and Megan Todd, who have pointed to a “scratch kitchen” model centered on fresh dough and fillings baked to order. The public market has framed the addition as part of its vendor selection process aimed at responding to customer demand and broadening everyday food options inside the building.

Timing, hours and what remains unknown

The market has said the stall will open “in the coming months,” without providing a specific opening date. Posted vendor hours for La Masa at the market list daily service within the public market’s operating window, including 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Key detail for customers: an opening date has not been publicly confirmed; service hours have been posted in advance.

Until construction and staffing details are finalized, shoppers should expect further updates on the start date and any changes to the stall’s menu and hours as the opening approaches.