Strange Town, a vegan eatery on Milwaukee’s east side, is striving to remain open during a year that has been as challenging as the pandemic era.
“The past two weeks have been exhausting. We can’t endure another fortnight like this,” the plant-based restaurant at 2101 N. Prospect Ave. shared on Instagram on December 6.
Strange Town is not alone in this struggle.
Numerous restaurant owners in the Milwaukee area have taken to social media to express how rising expenses and dwindling patrons have made this year particularly tough.
Seven Swans Crêperie Mke in Riverwest, Mekong Cafe on North Avenue, and Heirloom MKE in Bayview have all urged the community to support local businesses, acknowledging that many are on tight budgets. Other local eateries echoed these sentiments in the comments, sharing their own struggles.
Mia LeTendre, chef and owner of Strange Town, mentioned that tariffs have significantly increased operational costs, while customers are dining out less to save money.
For instance, the price of chocolate chips they use has doubled since January, LeTendre informed the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“Many of us won’t make it to spring,” LeTendre stated.
Some establishments have already announced closures. Milwaukee’s Pomona Cider Co. and the east side’s Beans & Barley plan to close soon. In a statement on December 3, Beans & Barley’s owners, Jim Neumeyer and Polly Kaplan, emphasized the importance of supporting small and local businesses.
“They won’t survive without your support. They are the heart of your community and make this city unique,” Beans & Barley’s statement read.
Whether you can dine in or prefer to help without spending much, here are ways to support local restaurants through the winter.
Support Local Eateries: Dine In or Take Out
Milwaukee’s local spots have addressed the reality: customers are also facing financial challenges.
“We understand that every dollar counts, and dining out might not be feasible right now-and we completely get it,” Mekong Cafe, 5930 W. North Ave., shared on Instagram.
If you can afford to eat out, consider choosing locally-owned businesses over large chains.
“We hope everyone can spread some joy this season and support all your local businesses! Whether it’s the coffee shop, the bookstore, or the family restaurant-we all rely on your kindness and patronage,” Mekong Cafe’s post added.
Boost Local Restaurants with Positive Reviews
If dining out isn’t an option, you can still help local restaurants by leaving positive reviews, suggested Jess Ignatiev, co-owner of Heirloom MKE, during a phone call with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The Bayview location at 2378 South Howell Ave. operates Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., with limited food truck hours in winter.
Writing a positive review online is a free way to support a business and can make a significant impact, she noted.
“Reviews are often the first thing people check when visiting Milwaukee or trying a new restaurant,” Ignatiev explained.
Search for the restaurant online and consider leaving a review on Yelp or Google.
Purchase Gift Cards from Local Spots
Gift cards to a beloved local restaurant or coffee shop make excellent holiday gifts. They support businesses now while offering a delightful meal later to a friend, colleague, or yourself.
Many restaurants offer gift cards online or in-store. Visit or call local eateries to see what they provide.
Engage with Local Restaurants on Social Media
Another cost-free way to support local businesses is by interacting with their social media pages.
A simple “like,” share, or comment can enhance a post’s visibility and introduce local businesses to new audiences.
Judy Hannon, a Milwaukee food influencer known as @mkeeeeeats, uses her platform of 95,000 followers to highlight local dining experiences.
However, you don’t need a large following to make an impact, Hannon emphasized.
“Social media is powerful, and even sharing with five people is better than nothing,” she said in a phone interview with the Journal Sentinel.
After seeing posts from Strange Town and Seven Swans about their struggles, Hannon encouraged her followers to tag their favorite small businesses in the comments. Nearly 200 comments listed various establishments.
Hannon plans to visit four businesses, create videos, and share them to raise awareness. She encourages others to explore the comments on her post and try a new place.
Bridget Fogarty covers Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and Elm Grove for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at bfogarty@gannett.com.
