When Angie Wierzbinski and Amy Plennes purchased The National Cafe from Nell Benton in 2019, the two long-time friends had no idea that, within their first year of business ownership they’d confront not only the usual challenges of entrepreneurism, but also the uncertainty of a global pandemic.
During this week’s podcast, we chat with the two owners about their decision to take over the longtime neighborhood cafe, the magic that makes their partnership work and the grit they employed to make sure the business survived the first stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic. Along the way, they paint the picture of two friends who’ve made full use of their complementary talents to survive one of the most challenging times in restaurant history.
Wisconsin’s Miijim to contribute to Indigenous food renaissance
14 seats: The making of 1033
Behind the scenes with Samantha Mitchell of SamanthaStarr Events
A fresh take on Indian fare with author Ruta Kahate of “6 Spices, 60 Dishes”
Rethinking zero proof at The Counter Day Bar
Popping the cork with Thelma Carol Wine Merchants
How American Wine Project is reframing Wisconsin wine
A decade later: Enlightened Brewing Company
What's a shrub? A chat with the badass women behind Siren Shrub Co.
Building a community hub: Chris Harris Morse of North Avenue Market
Next level vegan fare with Chef Joya
Six grate years: A chat with Chef Aaron Patin of Iron Grate BBQ
Good sustainable tea: A chat with Aureal Ojeda of Outwoken Tea
What you need to know about EVOO with Josh Saiia of Oro di Oliva
Lao food, family and tradition with Victoria Sithy & Alex Hanesakda
From Texas to Wisconsin, a chat with Chef Ashley Turner
An intoxicating chat with "Bar Menu" author Andre Darlington
From hobby to pop-up: The story of Sweet Smoke BBQ
Chef Adam Siegel reflects on his career & inspiration for Lupi & Iris
Bringing Italy to the Table with the folks from Ca’Lucchenzo
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