Milwaukee’s dining community is grappling with a recent string of restaurant closures that includes longtime neighborhood fixtures and newer concepts. The losses have sparked disappointment among diners and raised broader questions about why even popular locations and prime riverfront spots are struggling to survive.
On Milwaukee’s Lori Fredrich told WTMJ’s Adam Roberts that restaurant owners are increasingly speaking candidly about the realities of running a business, using social media to share financial pressures and warn customers when closure may be imminent. The shift marks a departure from past practices, when restaurants often closed quietly without explanation.
With January and February historically among the toughest months for restaurants, local leaders are urging residents to buy local. Programs like Visit Milwaukee’s Buy Local Bonus aim to provide short-term relief, but many in the industry worry about what the year ahead may bring…