By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Apr 02, 2023 at 11:03 AM

“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” — Lord Byron

April Fool’s Day is over. And that means you’ll have to wait another 365 days (next year is a leap year) until we once again pull out our best tomfoolery for your reading enjoyment.

BUT…  just in case our annual blast of April Fool’s Day shenanigans wasn’t enough, we’ve rounded up a collection of some of the funny – and sometimes downright chuckle-worthy – pranks shared by both local and national brands on the day of the fools.

Note: We've taken screen shots of the social posts for each entry (just in case they're stricken from the Interwebs), but you can click on the accompanying link to see the original posts.

1. Pawsome labor shortage solution

Stella & Chewy's: Big changes are happening at Stella & Chewy's! Our executive staff has been replaced with fresh raw talent. We're pawsitively thrilled to see where this new leadership takes us! 
[View original post on Instagram]

Stella & Chewy's dog staffX

2. A recipe no one everyone needs?

Food 52: The best way to become a great home cook is to really nail down cooking basics. And what could be more of a building block than classic cooked water? Once this recipe is locked in, you can use it to create tender strands of pasta, perfectly hard-boiled eggs, blanched vegetables, and so much more. Get the recipe for Our Best Cooked Water at the link in bio. [View original post on Instagram]

Food52 Cooking WaterX

3. We'd drink that.

Point Brewery: What do kegs and maple trees have in common - they both taste better tapped! Introducing our newest tapped brew- Maple Fools- a bacon-infused maple syrup Malt Porter.
[View original post on Instagram]

Point Beer's Maple FoolsX

4. Bring on the nUGGS!

McDonalds: Calling all fashionistas  We’ve got the must have drop of the season.   Unveiling the Big McNugget Boot, the most flavoursome shoe of SS23. Releasing exclusively through the McDonald’s App this Monday.
[View the original post on Twitter]

McDonald's Nugget BootsX

5. Chocolate so good, it glows.

Oodaalolly Chocolate: #behindthescenes at Oodaalolly’s Labooraatory testing #glowinthedark #chocolate. Driven by a tireless pursuit of innovation, our master chocolate makers have meticulously crafted a scrumptious glowing treat with the aid of luminescent proteins, adding a thrilling touch to your nighttime nibbles. 
[View original post on Instagram]

Oodaalally Chocolate glowing chocolateX

6. Where have you Bean all our lives?

Visit Milwaukee: Move over Chicago and New York City. Milwaukee is getting a bean and it's going to be bronze! The Bronze Fonz will be recycled and turned into a Bronze Bean to be replaced along the Milwaukee RiverWalk. Link in bio to read more and when it will be on view to the public.
[View original post on Instagram]

Visit Milwaukee's MKE Bean

7. The Daily Bird: literally.

[View the original post on Instagram]

The Daily Bird gives the birdX

8. Little brewery goes big.

Enlightened Brewing: We are excited to announce ahead of opening day we have decided to not only buy the naming rights of the stadium but the whole @brewers franchise. This is an exciting time in the development of our Cream City brand and can’t wait to throw out the opening pitch on opening day! [View original post on Instagram]

Enlightened Brewery postX

9. Dictionaries we wish really existed

Merriam Webster: Check out our new totally real editions that have nothing to do with April Fools’ Day
[View original post on Instagram]

Merriam Webster new booksX

10. That's fishy.

Sprecher Brewery: We are excited to announce our new Sprecher Sushi line of craft sodas! Available in the flavors California Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Spicy Tuna Roll. Link in bio to order.
[View original post on Instagram]

New Sprecher sushi sodasX

11. Brunchers > Bruisers.

Brewcity Bruisers:  Unfortunately, after years of skating, Brewcity Bruisers, Milwaukee Roller Derby will be restructuring. We'd like you to continue to support us as we reintroduce ourselves as the Brewcity Brunchers, Milwaukee Brunch Club. We will continue to meet as a team, checking out, and trying all of the brunch spots across the city of Milwaukee and neighboring towns. This isn't a goodbye to Beer! Beer! Beer!, but a true and wholesome welcome to Brunch! Brunch! Brunch! We hope you will continue to follow us as fans, and as brunch lovers. Merch order form will be released soon. Thank you for your support!  [View original post on Facebook]

Brewcity Bruisers become BrunchersX

12. How DO you milk a cucumber?

Hendrick's Gin: The doubters said a cucumber could not be milked. To which we replied, have you met an almond? Celebrate the marvelous non-dairy diversity in which we live by trying the delicious Iced Hendrick's Cucumber Milk Latte. [View the original post on Facebook]

Hendrick's Cucumber MilkX

13. Death's Door Diver.

Washington Island Ferry: Experience a trip to Washington Island like never before in our very own submarine! Submarine rides will be offered starting this summer! We will have more information soon on pricing and a new schedule for the submarine. In the meantime, take a glance at our custom-made Washington Island submarine. Made with pristine materials able to withstand death's door!
[View the original post on Instagram]

Washington Island Ferry's Death's Door Diver X

14. It's pouring again.

With winter behind us and warm weather finally here, we're fired up to announce the launch of our SoulBoxer Park Fountains. We're teaming up with local MKE parks to keep our home-brewed cocktails ready to pour at all picnics and outdoor hangouts hangouts all summer long. It's #pourandenjoy season folks!  [View the original post on Instagram]

Soul Boxer park fountainsX

15. So good it broke the interwebs.

Titletown: Introducing our Titletown Summer Fun Days Showcase performer, presented by Ticketmaster.
[View the original post on Instagram]

Titletown's summer showX

16. Out of this world combos.

Van Holten's Pickles: We’re excited share that we’ve teamed up with @theoriginalmoonpie to create an OUT OF THIS WORLD flavor! Coming soon to stores near you. #moonpie #pickles #space
[View the original post on Instagram]

Van Holten's Pickles MoonpieX

17. Light the Hoan

Light the Hoan:  UPDATE! The Hoan Bridge lights have been moved to the East facing side of the Hoan Bridge. Starting tonight, the lake side of the Hoan Bridge will be lit to finish the Milwaukee skyline, help welcome visitors and give Michigan the opportunity to see our beauty.  The West Side of the Hoan Bridge (city facing) will now be dark as we only have enough lights for one side at this time. Enjoy the new look Milwaukee!
[View the original post on Facebook]

Light the Hoan moves bridgeX

18.  Shapeshifting.

Babybel: Our biggest announcement yet

Babybel goes squareX

19. This one went over our heads.

Crossroads MKE: You asked and we delivered. Drone delivery to your doorstep from your favorite food hall coming 2025. In the meantime? You'll have to settle for the very friendly human delivery folk from Uber Eats. Shucks. [View the original post on Instagram]

Crossroads Collective postX

20. Pizza meets fashion.

Mod Pizza: a revolution in cheesy fashion - The Pocket Pie Parka! Follow us & tag a friend who would wear this. We'll choose one winner to take it home (terms in bio)  [View the original post on Instagram]

Mod Pizza Pocket Pie ParkaX

21.  Self awareness can be funny.

Subaru: Introducing the all-new 2023 Subaru Forager Granola, a driver’s seat treat to power you through life’s crunchiest pursuits. Packaged with recycled good vibes and containing ingredients such as love and organic compost, Subaru Forager Granola offers all of the goodness of nature in one tasty package.   **May contain dog hair, but it should come off with a lint roller. [View original post on Instagram]

Subaru granola

22. Coming soon? 

This big DuoLingo/Peacock collab was announced on YouTube. Truthfully, it's far less cringe-worthy than the majority of actual reality dating shows.  Just ask our Matt Mueller.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

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.