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What happens when the Brewers partner with a well-respected local hospitality group to roll out a brand new ballpark menu at American Family Field?
Well, Brewers fans will get their first taste on April 14 when Delaware North Sportservice debuts a brand new menu of ballpark offerings inspired by lifelong Brewers' fan Chef Joe Muench, co-owner of Black Shoe Hospitality, the group behind beloved local eateries including Maxie’s, Blue’s Egg, Story Hill BKC and Buttermint Finer Dining & Cocktails.
Muench – who was honored this spring alongside co-owners Dan Sidner, Amy Kerstein, and Jason Kerstein with a semi-finalist nomination for the James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur Award – put in long hours alongside Loren Rue, Delaware North’s onsite executive chef, to create a new ballpark culinary experience.
In turn, fans will find rebranded concession stands and new menu offerings throughout American Family Field, all of which marry elements of Milwaukee’s rich culinary scene with classic ballpark offerings.
“At Black Shoe we have spent the last 15 years working to elevate the dining scene in Milwaukee,” notes Black Shoe Hospitality co-owner Dan Sidner. “To be part of elevating the food and fan experience at American Family Field is a huge thrill. We are pleased and proud to be working with the Brewers and Delaware North.”
Powered by Black Shoe
As a result of the new collaboration, fans will find rebranded concession stands powered by Blue’s Egg, Story Hill BKC, and Maxie's.
Specialty Sausages powered by Blue’s Egg
Looking for a classic ballpark sausage? You’ll find all five of the Famous Racing Sausages on the menu, plus a brand new breakfast sandwich!
In addition to the Johnsonville Ultimate Bratwurst, guests will also find the Johnsonville Tipsy Polish Sausage and the Johnsonville Chorizo Breakfast Sandwich featuring chorizo sausage strips, egg, American cheese, cilantro and zesty Come Back! sauce on a brioche bun.
And no, they didn't forget about the Johnsonville Italian Sausage. In fact, it will be available at all Italian Beef Stands smothered with sweet peppers, giardiniera and mozzarella cheese.
Topped Hot Dogs powered by Story Hill BKC
And no, that classic ballpark hot dog isn’t going anywhere. But guests will be treated to four brand new Topped Hot Dogs, all of which sport not only creative names but also punchy flavor profiles.
Take, for instance, the Wisconsin on My Mind, which is topped with sharp cheddar cheese, fried cheese curds, mild cheddar cheese and ranch dressing.
Too cheesy? How about the Chili Cheese Dog topped with zesty chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream and scallions?
Or maybe you’d prefer the Badger State Dog featuring sharp cheddar cheese, crispy tater tots, cranberry jalapeño ketchup and chopped bacon.
Then again, the real heavy-hitter is the Dog n’ Brat Show which features a hot dog embellished with Johnsonville Brat Strips, apple-onion braised sauerkraut, spicy Dusseldorf mustard and Sargento cheese sauce.
Burgers powered by Story Hill BKC
If upgraded burgers are more your style, there’s also a small slate of beefy new choices, each of which features double beef patties made from Wisconsin born and raised cattle.
Fans can choose between the classic Double Story Burger (a double burger with cheese), the Bacon Story Burger (a double with bacon) and the Peppered Brandy Burger which features two local beef patties topped with Swiss cheese, caramelized brandy onions and peppercorn mayo on a brioche bun.
Chicken Sandwich & Tenders powered by Maxie’s
Fried chicken calling your name? Say hello to the Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich featuring a brioche bun stacked with crisp sliced pickles, American cheese and Come Back! Sauce.
Or drop the bun and enjoy hand-dropped buttermilk fried chicken tenders served with Come Back! Sauce on the side.
Nachos powered by Blue’s Egg
There are also brand new options for nacho lovers at a variety of stands around the park.
Nachos can now be topped with Wisconsin-raised beef or fire-braised chicken drizzled with salsa verde. Select stands on the Field and Loge Levels will also feature Impossible beef as a meatless option.
Oh! But despite those changes, die hard fans of the Bratcho –a combination of beef and bratwurst on nachos – can rest assured that the fan favorite will remain available at stands across the park.
More new, more local
Guests will also find a number of new ballpark features, including portable Sargento Grilled Cheese stands offering three varieties of cheesy sandwiches on the Field and Terrace levels.
A new concept called Bacon! By Nueske’s will allow fans to get their bacon fix on the Loge Level (near section 216). Among the offerings there will be perfectly cooked slices of bacon, a bacon wrapped sausage and a bacon omelet.
“This off season was focused on continuing to infuse local flavors into our food and beverage program at American Family Field,” said Delaware North’s General Manager at American Family Field Kevin Jezewski. “We work closely with the Brewers to ensure the ballpark’s dining options reflect the unique spirit of Milwaukee and truly give fans a sense of hometown pride.”
That means continued work with local purveyors and partners including Badger Popcorn, Brakebush Chicken, Classy Girl Cupcakes, Colectivo Coffee, Heavenly Roasted Nuts, Ian’s Pizza, Johnsonville Sausages, Melotte Meats, Milwaukee Pretzel Company, Nueske’s Bacon, Rishi Tea, Sargento Cheese and Simma’s Bakery.
Cashless and convenient
American Family Field will remain cashless for concession purchases, and mobile ordering and seat-side delivery will remain available for select items through the MLB Ballpark app.
Guests should remember to watch for several self-checkout point-of-sale units throughout the ballpark, which will make grab-n-go options more plentiful. There will also be 10 new Marketplaces featuring packaged beverages and popular snacks on the ballpark’s concourses, including a new larger Barrelman’s Marketplace on the Terrace Level.
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.
