Lauren Hafeman

Recent Articles

La Caribena Launches New All-Day, All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

La Caribena Launches New All-Day, All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Why settle for one Caribbean dish when you can try several?

Soil Wine Company is Taking Root On King Drive

Soil Wine Company is Taking Root On King Drive

New wine bar and bottle shop will spotlight BIPOC producers and global wine traditions.

Meet The Entrepreneurs Behind The Chai Company

Meet The Entrepreneurs Behind The Chai Company

Giveaways, storytelling and unique videos power the Pawer brothers mobile cafe business.

Show Time: Milwaukee Art Museum Mines Unique Vein of Photography
Show Time

Milwaukee Art Museum Mines Unique Vein of Photography

Exhibition captures four eras of American mining photography, from 19th century to today.

Three Winter Farmers Markets You Don’t Want to Miss

Three Winter Farmers Markets You Don’t Want to Miss

An end to warm weather doesn't mean an end to buying local.

Unity in the Community Will Serve Up Global Food, Music and Dance

Unity in the Community Will Serve Up Global Food, Music and Dance

Milwaukee Public Library celebration spotlights cultural diversity with free indoor tastings from a Milwaukee chef, arts activities and performances.

How A Pasta Dish Turned Into $2,000 Boost For Milwaukee Fire Families

How A Pasta Dish Turned Into $2,000 Boost For Milwaukee Fire Families

Glorioso’s and Fire Department partner again to support Ignite the Spirit-Milwaukee nonprofit.

Heirloom MKE Plans Upscale Dinner By Top Chef to Help the Hungry

Heirloom MKE Plans Upscale Dinner By Top Chef to Help the Hungry

Five-course Bay View event elevates modest ingredients while aiding a local food nonprofit.

Sherman Perk Cafe Sold

Sherman Perk Cafe Sold

After 25 years, founders pass friendly neighborhood coffee shop to a new owner.

Cute Robot’s Successor Planned In Walker’s Point

Cute Robot’s Successor Planned In Walker’s Point

Just weeks after its closure comes a plan for American comfort food restaurant and tavern.

New Bartolotta Concept Takes Off at Milwaukee Airport

New Bartolotta Concept Takes Off at Milwaukee Airport

The airport’s latest local dining option features Italian classics, Wisconsin beers and signature cocktails.

New Restaurant Planned Along Third Ward Riverfront

New Restaurant Planned Along Third Ward Riverfront

European-inspired brunch restaurant seeks city approval.

Study Ranks Milwaukee 8th Nationally In Spending on Fast Food

Study Ranks Milwaukee 8th Nationally In Spending on Fast Food

Too many 'food swamps' — neighborhoods with lots of fast food outlets and no grocery stores?

Show Time: What We Talk About When We Dance
Show Time

What We Talk About When We Dance

Milwaukee choreographer explores language loss in 'Ghost Tongue, Mother Tongue."

New Coffee Shop Taking Over The Daily Bird

New Coffee Shop Taking Over The Daily Bird

The Riverwest space will reopen with a new name and new owner.

Kamala Harris Rallies for Crowley In Milwaukee

Kamala Harris Rallies for Crowley In Milwaukee

Former vice president headlines 'Women for Crowley' event in Milwaukee.

Pizza and Poultry Inspire New Restaurant

Pizza and Poultry Inspire New Restaurant

Owner says the restaurant's broasted chicken and affordable pricing will stand out.

Garage, Hi-Hat Reopening Delayed

Garage, Hi-Hat Reopening Delayed

New owners appeared before Licenses Committee, but must wait for approval.

After Summer Mixup, Election Commission Approves New Poll Worker Instructions

After Summer Mixup, Election Commission Approves New Poll Worker Instructions

New instructions include images, will be available to public.

Beloved Riverwest Coffee Shop The Daily Bird to Close

Beloved Riverwest Coffee Shop The Daily Bird to Close

Owner steps away citing burnout, but says staff will stay under new operator.

Theater: Renaissance Theaterworks Presents Showcase of Global Women Playwrights
Theater

Renaissance Theaterworks Presents Showcase of Global Women Playwrights

'Women+ on the Edge of Democracy' sounds heavy but will be presented at Sugar Maple bar.

New North Side Restaurant Will Celebrate Turkish Cuisine

New North Side Restaurant Will Celebrate Turkish Cuisine

Couple with Turkmenistani plans to go deep into distinctive cuisine with Istanbul Grill.

Fiserv Forum Tips Off Bucks Season With New Food And Drink Lineup

Fiserv Forum Tips Off Bucks Season With New Food And Drink Lineup

Arena leans into viral trends, chef-curated handhelds and playful keepsakes.

Unlikely Sweet and Savory Combo Coming to Bay View

Unlikely Sweet and Savory Combo Coming to Bay View

3rd Street Market Hall favorite brings wings and loaded fries to doughnut bar this fall.

New Buffalo Wild Wings for Northwest Side

New Buffalo Wild Wings for Northwest Side

But don’t expect to eat at the restaurant.

Unique Fusion Spot Planned for North Teutonia Avenue

Unique Fusion Spot Planned for North Teutonia Avenue

New restaurant proposed tacos, tequila and soul food.

New Bar Planned for Lindsay Heights

New Bar Planned for Lindsay Heights

April Juett bought the 120-year-old building last year.

Members-Only Social Club, Bar Proposed Above Downtown Club

Members-Only Social Club, Bar Proposed Above Downtown Club

Dehne brothers propose a two-story private social club and bar concept.

Meet the Urban Cat Coalition

Meet the Urban Cat Coalition

Non-profit which addresses city's stray cats will host grand opening at its new home.

Buttery Biscuits to Make Debut in Walker’s Point

Buttery Biscuits to Make Debut in Walker’s Point

Farmers market favorite will bring small-batch Southern-style biscuits to new store.

Reports of Violence Lead to Northwest Side Bar’s Suspension

Reports of Violence Lead to Northwest Side Bar’s Suspension

10 squad cars were needed to handle one brawl that led to a shooting.

Common Council Rejects Food Truck’s Appeal of Suspension

Common Council Rejects Food Truck’s Appeal of Suspension

El Pastorcito Mixe disobeyed 10-day suspension, must now shut down for 20 days.

Proposed New York Style Pizzeria Back on Track

Proposed New York Style Pizzeria Back on Track

After building purchase finalized, owner says licensing and renovations underway.

Viral Pizza Pop-Up Is a Hit, Chef Seeks Solo Storefront

Viral Pizza Pop-Up Is a Hit, Chef Seeks Solo Storefront

Experienced chef who's appeared on Food Network finds success in Riverwest.

Blighted South-Side Building Will Become New Cafe

Blighted South-Side Building Will Become New Cafe

New Halo Cafe will brighten street in Historic Mitchell Street Neighborhood.

Bird of Hope For Peace Unveiled at City Hall

Bird of Hope For Peace Unveiled at City Hall

New rotunda installation by internationally known Slovenian artist offers lacy beauty.

New Bar Promises A Mystic Makeover For Former Angelo’s Piano Lounge

New Bar Promises A Mystic Makeover For Former Angelo’s Piano Lounge

An upscale tarot-themed bar plans to take over legendary Lower East Side bar.

Milwaukee’s First Yemeni-Owned Cafe Planned for Downtown

Milwaukee’s First Yemeni-Owned Cafe Planned for Downtown

Instead of joining a chain, owners plan a standalone cafe reflecting family history and culture.

Second Annual Milwaukee Vegan Restaurant Week Expands To 35 Businesses

Second Annual Milwaukee Vegan Restaurant Week Expands To 35 Businesses

Grassroots vegan restaurant coalition grows with official tourism sponsor.

Final Approach Lands a New Owner

Final Approach Lands a New Owner

Aviation-themed restaurant is purchased by a longtime industry veteran.

New Public Artist Will Address Safe Housing Out of Old Firehouse

New Public Artist Will Address Safe Housing Out of Old Firehouse

Milwaukee Arts Board seeks to solve social problems with artists in residence.

Stone Creek’s Downtown Cafe to Reopen

Stone Creek’s Downtown Cafe to Reopen

After a remodeling the headquarters cafe and roasting facility in 1889 building returning.

After Baithak Of Punjab Steps Out, A New Halal Spot Plans to Step In

After Baithak Of Punjab Steps Out, A New Halal Spot Plans to Step In

Occupancy application shows new restaurant plans to open at same location.

Globally-Inspired Halal Restaurant Quietly Closed

Globally-Inspired Halal Restaurant Quietly Closed

Punjabi restaurant north of the airport is dark, locked and no longer taking orders.

From Daycare To Doughnuts — New Snack Shop Planned for East Side

From Daycare To Doughnuts — New Snack Shop Planned for East Side

Owners promise "crazy" doughnuts and viral treats.

Immy’s African Cuisine Plans Location Change

Immy’s African Cuisine Plans Location Change

With the move, a newly expanded menu will offer more choices.

Creating a Brand New Art Gallery on Vliet Street

Creating a Brand New Art Gallery on Vliet Street

Artist Matt Kuhlman seeks to recharge the neighborhood and Milwaukee's gallery scene.

New Postseason Eats Hit American Family Field Concession Stands

New Postseason Eats Hit American Family Field Concession Stands

As the Brewers head into the playoffs, American Family Field food gets a postseason upgrade.

After Losing Lease, Bay View’s Semolina Looking For New Home

After Losing Lease, Bay View’s Semolina Looking For New Home

Business will operate in its home through January.

Honey Butter Cafe Set to Make Bay View Debut

Honey Butter Cafe Set to Make Bay View Debut

Brunch spot looks forward to its first expansion.

New Bar and Lounge Planned for Former Fuel Space in Walker’s Point

New Bar and Lounge Planned for Former Fuel Space in Walker’s Point

Herb-forward cocktails, zero-proof botanical drinks and a living plant wall planned for new business.

Eco-Boutique Closes, New Store Plans To Move In

Eco-Boutique Closes, New Store Plans To Move In

Walker’s Point shop moves to an online storefront as Chicago company works to move in.

Mexican Ice Cream and Snack Shop Planned for Walker’s Point

Mexican Ice Cream and Snack Shop Planned for Walker’s Point

A couple hopes to bring their traditional, homemade Mexican treats southside main street.

Gordo’s Bubble Waffles Eyes UW-Milwaukee

Gordo’s Bubble Waffles Eyes UW-Milwaukee

The dessert shop looks to open its fifth location.

New Farm-to-School Initiative Will Grow Greens Inside MPS Classrooms

New Farm-to-School Initiative Will Grow Greens Inside MPS Classrooms

USDA grant funds hydroponic growing systems, training and local food connections.

East Side Starbucks Closes, Again

East Side Starbucks Closes, Again

Chain closes Lower East Side shop as part of 250-store downsizing.

‘Building Not Rebuilding’ at Bucks Media Day 2026

‘Building Not Rebuilding’ at Bucks Media Day 2026

Players, management express optimism in first season without Antetokounmpo.

MAM’s New Show Reveals The Ideas Behind Shaker Simplicity

MAM’s New Show Reveals The Ideas Behind Shaker Simplicity

An immersive exhibition pairs historic benches, stoves and textiles with bold contemporary installations.

Milwaukee Chef Featured in New Season of Hell’s Kitchen

Milwaukee Chef Featured in New Season of Hell’s Kitchen

Il Ponte and Lupi & Iris chef has had rapid climb through the ranks.

Food Relief Program for Older Adults Hits Major Milestone

Food Relief Program for Older Adults Hits Major Milestone

Hunger Task Force and DoorDash mark a milestone in fighting senior food insecurity.

New ‘Building Bronzeville’ Exhibition Connects Black Art, Power And Everyday Life

New ‘Building Bronzeville’ Exhibition Connects Black Art, Power And Everyday Life

Exhibition reveals how Black artists in Milwaukee organized, published and created during the Black Arts Movement.

New Cafe and Cocktail Concept Planned for Bronzeville

New Cafe and Cocktail Concept Planned for Bronzeville

'People are trying to build up the Bronzeville neighborhood and I want to be a part of that,' says owner.

Midwest SAD Moving Back Downtown

Midwest SAD Moving Back Downtown

Walker’s Point shop will 'pause.'

Vegan Bakery Opening Downtown Location

Vegan Bakery Opening Downtown Location

After a summer back in its “speakeasy” kitchen, Hooch MKE will again brick-and-mortar storefront.

Council Walks Back Food Truck Curfew

Council Walks Back Food Truck Curfew

With concerns unresolved, alderpersons vote 15-0 to repeal earlier closing times for food trucks.

Council Suspends License of Third Ward Event Venue

Council Suspends License of Third Ward Event Venue

After hours activity at issue.

Visit Milwaukee ‘Taps’ New Tourism Initiative

Visit Milwaukee ‘Taps’ New Tourism Initiative

Historic sites, beer gardens and breweries on a new seven county "trail."

Downtown Restaurant Quietly Closes

Downtown Restaurant Quietly Closes

Owner says multi-vendor model became challenging to sustain, already has new venture lined up.

Downtown Salad Shop Shutters

Downtown Salad Shop Shutters

'Your lease is currently in default' says notice.

Q&A With The Team Behind Milwaukee’s New 10-Story Mural

Q&A With The Team Behind Milwaukee’s New 10-Story Mural

With the bottom half complete, muralists will now begin to change Milwaukee's skyline.

Sustainable Fashion Wins Big at Rev-Up MKE

Sustainable Fashion Wins Big at Rev-Up MKE

Small business competition winner lands cash, consulting and retail space for her up-cycling focused brand.

New Steakhouse Serves Up “Wordly and Chic” Vision

New Steakhouse Serves Up “Wordly and Chic” Vision

International steaks, Mediterranean seafood and a chic lounge anchor Bartolotta Restaurants' new Water Street venture.

New Pro Football Team Planned for Milwaukee

New Pro Football Team Planned for Milwaukee

Unnamed team will join Continental Football League, play summer schedule.

After Belli’s Closure, Owner Plans New Steak House

After Belli’s Closure, Owner Plans New Steak House

A restaurant "Milwaukee has never seen before" planned for King Drive.

Zilber Pledges Millions More To Milwaukee Moms

Zilber Pledges Millions More To Milwaukee Moms

Zilber and city's federal grant will make unconditional cash payments to new moms.

‘Near West Side Dining Day’ Offers Specials, Deals

‘Near West Side Dining Day’ Offers Specials, Deals

One-day event takes place Sept. 19, part of larger Near West Side Week.

‘Athena On My Mind’ Opens at Mitchell Street Arts

‘Athena On My Mind’ Opens at Mitchell Street Arts

Exhibition explores the goddess Athena.

New Owner Gives Uncle Buck’s Bar A Fresh Start

New Owner Gives Uncle Buck’s Bar A Fresh Start

From revamped menus to late-night hours, Michelle Le is reshaping the downtown bar and restaurant.

Café Corazón’s Bay View Location to Host Farewell Party, Auction

Café Corazón’s Bay View Location to Host Farewell Party, Auction

A farewell party with a taco bar, DJ and auction will cap the restaurant’s decade-long Bay View chapter.

UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena Unveils New Food, Drink Options

UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena Unveils New Food, Drink Options

New options will greet fans at Milwaukee's oldest arena.

Immy’s African Cuisine Expanding From Its Kitchen To Yours

Immy’s African Cuisine Expanding From Its Kitchen To Yours

New product line augments East African restaurant's offerings.

Mara’s Grill to Close, Owner Cites ‘Unexpected’ Rent Increase

Mara’s Grill to Close, Owner Cites ‘Unexpected’ Rent Increase

Customers decry loss of scratch-made Guatemalan and Mexican dishes.

El Paraíso Food Truck Expands with Brick and Mortar Restaurant

El Paraíso Food Truck Expands with Brick and Mortar Restaurant

South-side Mexican seafood truck rebrands as El Paraíso Aguachiles.