Black Sheep, the wine bar and restaurant at 216 S. 2nd St., announced today that building owner Keith Harenda will turn over the reins to Milwaukee food and beverage industry veterans Wes Shaver and Mike Sorge.
Sorge, formerly of Hospitality Democracy, will manage operations. Meanwhile, Shaver, director of marketing and sales at Red Rock Saloon, Red Lion Pub, McGillycuddy’s, Trocadero and Three Lions Pub, will take over promotions and marketing.
As a result of the departure of Frank Harroun, who left the restaurant to head up the kitchen at Lucky Joe's Alchemy & Eatery, restaurant has also brought on a new executive chef
Justice Neal, formerly of Blue Jacket, will take over the kitchen.
"Couldn't be more excited to take this next step in my career," says Neal of the move. "I also couldn't image two better guys to do it with. With their experience in the front of house, and mine in the kitchen, the sky really is the limit!"
Dinner and brunch menus will be revamped in the coming weeks, with previews of new items being offered as specials beginning this week.
The turn-of-the-century building was developed by Harenda and his firm, KPH Construction, with intentions to turn over the reigns to a food and beverage operator when a good fit was established. The top floor of the building is leased to Company B Brand Marketing.
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.
