Lauren Hafeman

Recent Articles

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.