’Tis Dining Month, the tastiest time of year! This means we’re dishing up fun and fascinating food content throughout October. Dig in, Milwaukee!
As plans for 3rd Street Market Hall continue to move forward, the Market Hall has announced that it will do so with backing from Milwaukee Brewers left fielder and 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich along with returning Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Randall Cobb, both of whom say that they are happy to join dozens of other local investors in supporting a project that promises to be a catalyst for Downtown Milwaukee.
Yelich says he didn’t think twice about stepping up to invest in the game-changing food hall.
“This project is yet another example of Milwaukee’s innovative spirit,” he noted in a release. “3rd Street Market Hall will drive significant foot traffic and interest in the downtown area year-round, and it reflects the dynamic atmosphere of this city. I couldn’t be more proud to help bring this development to fruition.”
Cobb, who says he’s grateful to be back home in Green Bay, notes that the opportunity to support is an honor.
“Wisconsin truly holds a special place in my heart,” he said, “And now I am lucky enough to be able to invest in the community that has always supported me. I feel that 3rd St. Market Hall, a place where community and culinary meet in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, represents the core values that made me love Wisconsin.”
Omar Shaikh, founding partner and longtime restauranteur, says the investments represent the culture and vision behind the food hall.
“Being able to partner with Christian and Randall demonstrates the collaborative environment we strive for at 3rd Street Market Hall," he says. “This redevelopment is a passion project for many, and to have their deep support and enthusiasm is truly an honor for both this project and the city of Milwaukee.”
Food hall to open in two stages
The new Downtown food hall, which is slated to open this year at The Avenue, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., is expected to make its debut with a full service bar, along with a slate of food vendors including Dairyland Old Fashioned Hamburgers & Frozen Custard and Mid-Way Bakery, Amano Pan, Middle East Side, Hot Dish Pantry, Strega, Make Waves and Greenhouse. The hall will also open with engaging activity-based offerings including a selfie museum, Topgolf Swing Suites and a gaming lounge.
Additional vendors, including Anytime Arepas and Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts – both of whom are still hard at work on the build-outs of their vendor stalls, will debut early next year during a robust grand opening event.
“3rd Street Market Hall will continue the evolution of Wisconsin Avenue and offer an experience unlike any other,” notes Chief Executive Officer of Hempel Companies and co-founder of 3rd Street Market Hall Josh Krsnak, adding that he’s elated by the support of that vision on the part of both Yelich and Cobb.
A private event space at the Market Hall, which is expected to be completed in 2022, will also allow guests to host unique holiday parties, weddings, and corporate events in a contemporary luxe environment unlike anything else in the area.
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.
