A longtime family-owned bakery and restaurant is going through some tough times.
Lopez Bakery and Restaurant, 1100 W. Historic Mitchell St., announced on social media yesterday that they would be closing indefinitely. The closing is due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, including recent flooding at the bakery, the failure of their bakery oven and a series of recent family tragedies, including the recent passing of their nephew, Michael.
It’s heartbreaking news under any circumstances, but particularly for the Lopez family, which is celebrating 50 years in business.
Fortunately, there’s something you can do to help.
Pay as you may brunch
Upon hearing the news about Lopez Bakery, Steve Ozbolt of Emerald City Catering & Events, 3555 S. 13th St., has announced that he will be hosting a “Pay As You May” brunch pop-up on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (or longer, if demand warrants).
All proceeds made from the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet will go to support Lopez Bakery in getting back on their feet.
If you have the means to support this great cause – and step up for one of Milwaukee's long-running family businesses – please consider attending and giving generously.
Can't make it to brunch? You can give directly to the Lopez family through Venmo @Lopezbakerymke
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.
