March 2020 Spotlight

Community, Comfort, and Conscious: Tandem Has It All.

Written by: Meenal Atre, Plastic-Free MKE Core Organizer
March 11th, 2020

For Milwaukee foodies, Tandem is a familiar name. Once a historic tavern on the north side, Tandem brings southern flare and welcoming comfort. The place offers more than food. It creates a community and operates with environmentally conscious practices. The restaurant hires employees from around the neighborhood and provides them the training.  The owner, Caitlin Cullin says "Most of our employees have never worked for a restaurant," she says. "Many have challenging family situations and probably a dozen on staff have done time. But they all show up for work every day. And they are a part of our surprisingly effective, but definitely dysfunctional restaurant family.". They are also part of Tables Across Borders, a global food collaboration highlighting the cuisines of refugee chefs in Milwaukee. A meal not to miss!

Tandem has been environmentally conscious since the beginning. The tavern was restored by Juli Kaufmann of Fix Development and Jeremy Davis, an environmental specialist at nearby Walnut Way Conservation Corp. All inhouse serveware and decor speaks conservation and diversion. They definitely made those tin can cups cool again (keeping the old tavern feel alive)! Low waste, landfill diversion has been a evolving but persistent process at Tandem. We are proud to call them lake-friendly, wonderful community partners. 

So drop in and say hello to the team. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes and thank them for ALL that they are doing to make their community a better place for all…. Their fried green tomatoes are one of the best!!