“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” — Lord Byron
April Fool’s Day is over. And that means you’ll have to wait another 364 days until we once again pull out our best tomfoolery for your reading enjoyment.
BUT… just in case our annual blast of April Fool’s Day shenanigans wasn’t enough, we’ve rounded up a collection of some of the funny – and sometimes downright chuckle-worthy – pranks shared by both local and national brands on the day of the fools.
Note: We've taken screenshots of the social posts for each entry (just in case they're stricken from the Interwebs), but you can click on the accompanying link to see the original posts and accompanying comments.
1. Bus-inspired beauty
MCTS: "MCTS is excited to announce their brand-new line of nail polish, “XLNCE.“ The set includes three shades of varnish, “Bus-y as a Bee,” “Take a Brake” and “Go With the Flow of Traffic,” which will be available for purchase at the MCTS Administration building, and Kinnickinnic and Fond du Lac stations.
“We think we’ve really nailed this one. We are excited for our riders to affordably express themselves with these bus-inspired shades,” said MCTS Cosmetologist Manny Cure.
“Nail art is one of the quickest growing trends,” his assistant Talon B. Poppin added. “Life is short, but your nails shouldn’t be, so paint them like things you love!
"Time to make all those middle schoolers on TikTok jealous with your elevated taste. “XLNCE” goes on sale beginning April 1, 2024." [View original post on X]
2. Dream job?
Tinder: "We’re seeking a dynamic and motivated VP of Ghost Hunting to spearhead Tinder’s new ghost-hunting strategy to address and reduce overall ghosting behavior. Qualified candidates will show proficiency in tracking, mitigating, and providing solutions to this phenomenon where dates leave unsuspecting situationships on read." Apply here.
3. Got emotional baggage?
Leave it to Amtrak.
[View original post on X]
4. Finally!
1840 Brewing: "For the fans of the 1840 Drinking Chocolate series, this one’s for you! Our release this week brings you all the cheddar goodness you could imagine, in decadent drinking form. 4.1% - 500ml"
[View original post on Instagram]
5. Standing room only
Pabst Theater Group: "Effective immediately, Pabst Theater Group is pleased to unveil a revised format tailored to enhance the concert experience for patrons attending events at Turner Hall Ballroom. We are proud to introduce our innovative standing chart system in our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible experience for attendees of all heights.
"This initiative will be progressively introduced, beginning with Turner Hall Ballroom, and subsequently implemented across all Pabst Theater Group venues, including the Miller High Life Theatre, Riverside Theater, Pabst Theater, and the Vivarium, over the year. Please be advised that this format will impact both standing and seated performances. We appreciate your cooperation during these changes."
[View original post on Instagram]
6. T.J. Maxx pares down
T.J. Maxx: "** breaking news ** we’re sticking to what we do best—candles only!"
[View original post on Instagram]
7. Dry humor
Hendrick's Gin: "Think the martini couldn’t get any drier? Think again! Hendrick’s Gin has embarked on a journey to the driest depths of delight to bring you our latest creation: Hendrick’s Driest-Ever Martini! Crafted with a curious & almost unbelievable concoction of powdered Hendrick’s Gin, English Cucumbers and a whisper of vermouth- all in powdered form - one simply adds water to indulge in this ready-to-drink marvel!" [View original post on Instagram]
8. Pizza controversy solved
Dominoes gives in to the haters.
[View original post on X]
9. This is actually funny.
Scotch (tape): " **Introducing ** Scotch Whisky by Scotch™ Brand. A spirit worthy of our heritage and your tastebuds.
Hailing from the heart of Scotland, Scotch Single Malt Scotch Whisky is sure to be a home bar essential, and the name on everyone's lips in the very finest establishments. Aged in oak barrels for 14 years, Scotch Whisky by Scotch™ Brand is a magical experience whether you take it neat, over ice, or in any of your favorite classic cocktails. Expect a strongly smoky whisky with distinct herbal notes, in addition to peat with a smooth finish." [View original post on Instagram]
10. Donut even.
Dunkin' Donuts: "yeah idk might mess around and make merch" (Yes, they also designed new merch)
[View original post on Instagram]
11. Hmmm...
Johnsonville: "When DM's become reality...Meat the Bratwurst Shandy, a collaboration between two Wisconsin classics."
[View original post on Instagram]
12. See monsters?
Washington Island Ferry: "Our live Northport Pier webcams captured something unusual this morning - authorities are on the scene, and we are monitoring this situation closely. Passenger safety is always our top priority - follow us on our Facebook page for any updates on the effects to our scheduled service." [View original post on Instagram]
13. They get it.
14. A custard for what ails ya
Dairyland: "Hit the ham a little too hard yesterday. Come cure your tummy ache with a cold scoop of Pepto!"
[View original post on Instagram]
15. Speaking of ice cream
Takis: "spICE cream, anyone?"
[View original post on Instagram]
16. Would you drink it?
Sprecher: "We are excited to introduce our latest craft soda creation: Loaded Bloody Mary! As Milwaukee’s Original Craft Brewery, we couldn’t resist paying homage to this beloved WI cocktail. This limited edition soda flavor is made with real horseradish and has hints of fried chicken, cheeseburger, and olive." [View original post on Instagram]
17. Talk about soda breath.
Olipop: "Sour Cream and Onion Pringles... in a soda? You bet! Indulge in the creamy richness of sour cream, the savory kick of onion, and the comforting heartiness of potato—all in a crave-worthy, salty, and utterly irresistible soda experience..."
[View original post on Instagram]
18. A whale of a story
The Harp: "The MKE River Cleanup has brought all sorts of unexpected wildlife to the Harp Patio! Once in a lifetime sighting. Feeling blessed."
[View original post on Instagram]
19. Got kale in your teeth?
Sweetgreen: "Take care of yourself"
[View original post on Instagram]
20. Cringe-worthy
Too true?
[View original post on X]
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
