A year ago, the people behind Transfer Pizzeria Cafe got their hands on an old bus. It was all 17-year-old Transfer – with its public transit-inspired name and location – needed to complete the thematic picture.

In June, the restored 1950s city bus was permanently installed on the pizzeria’s patio. Not there just for looks (though it looks pretty cool), the bus functions as additional restaurant seating (the bus’ interior got a complete makeover), weather permitting. And even with patio season winding down, the bus will be more than a conversation piece. Welcome to your newest selfie spot!

In winter, co-owner John Rossetto says, they’ll decide whether to close it up during the cold weather months. “This year’s been this big experiment, trying to figure out how people engage with it.” 101 W. Mitchell St.  

Despite efforts to extend Pizza Man’s lease at Tosa’s Mayfair Collection, “we could not reach an agreement that supported our vision moving forward,” its management said of closing the 10-year-old location in late August. That leaves just the East Side flagship to carry the cracker-crust torch.

Belly Up to Expanded Offerings

An undeviating East Side sight on Farwell Avenue south of Irving Place is the familiar white and blue façade of Koppa’s grocery store. New owners took over the 43-year-old neighborhood fixture in late May and are eager to offer what the community wants.

Responding to customer suggestions, they’ve added more frozen foods, cold beverages and fresh produce, says Ram Mohan Rao Chekkala, one of the partners. The store’s Fulbeli Deli was a lunchtime magnet back in the day, and the neon WORLD’S BEST SANDWICHES sign remains. A red menu hangs above the counter, offering 32 sandwiches.

Recently, I ordered a 414mke panini (turkey, bacon, feta) – an underwhelming lunchmeat sandwich buried in condiments. However, the chicken tikka masala ($13-$14) from the Indian Eats menu was tasty. It’s one of four “signature combos,” served in chafing dish-like pans, along with a big rice cooker of basmati. I’ll be back to try more of those.

Saying there’s “a lot more I want to do,” Chekkala had his sights, in August, on filling the cold deli case with more prepared items and perhaps expanding the hours. 1940 N. Farwell Ave.   

On Sept. 26, Tosa’s Café Hollander (7677 W. State St.) resumed its normal hours. Damage from the August floods had forced its closure a few months ago. In the interim, its sibling/neighbor Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club had picked up weekday breakfast service. Now that Hollander is back, though, Buckatabon has resumed its regular operating hours, too, with breakfast served on Sat-Sun only. • During the Brewers’ postseason run, fans will have the chance to try a new food at Am Fam Field: Murph’s Pocket Pancakes, named for the team manager’s favorite snack. Chicken-stuffed and bacon-topped, it comes with maple syrup for dipping. Go Brewers! • Foy’s bar, the new occupant of 784 N. Jefferson St. (formerly Belmont Tavern), leans into its gin and tonics, offering four gin options as well as customized martinis. • In July, Waterford Wine & Spirits (2120 N. Farwell Ave.) opened the in-store Farwell Wine Bar, which seats 16 people and offers more unusual by-the-glass wines.