By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Apr 02, 2025 at 9:02 AM

Today's stories are brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel.

“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 364 days 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 screenshots 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 and accompanying comments.

1. Distillery switches gears beers

Twisted Path Distillery: “The rumors are true… we’ve finally decided to switch over to brewing beer full time! What were we thinking, opening a distillery in Brew City USA?! We’re closed today while we’re brewing beer, but stop by for a frosty one tomorrow at 5!” [View on Instagram]

Twisted PathX

2. Couch for messy wine lovers

Josh Cellars: “Turn ‘oops’ into ‘ooh la la’ with @joshcellars x @jossandmain’s newest collection. Perfect for the wine lover in your life” [View on Instagram]

Josh CellarsX

3. No, it's not radiation

O&H Danish Bakery: "Introducing the Glow-in-the-Dark Kringle! Now you can sneak a midnight snack without the fridge light giving you away. Who’s ready to glow up their snack game?" [View on Instagram]

O&H Danish BakeryX

4. We wish it was true

TSA: “Can I pet that dog? Pup yeah! You asked… we listened! Sign up for TSA Pre-PET and get the chance to pet our retired pups at the airport. Registration is free, treats are encouraged but not required. Plus, TSA PreCheck passengers will be eligible to name our future K9 Pawfficers. Naming restrictions do apply, as these are hardworking pawfessionals. Please keep this in mind before submitting ‘Bag Sniffer 6000’ or ‘Pawfficer Chicken Nugget.’” [View on Instagram

TSA Pet PupsX

5. Hot milk? 

Califia Farms: “Your new plant-based obsession: Bold, spicy, and totally unexpected.” [View on Instagram]

Califia FarmsX

6. Bed & Breakfast. Haha.

Mattress Firm: "@MattressFirm and @DennysDiner are teaming up to create some slammin’ sleep accessories. Swipe for all the delicious details…

  • Corner booth bed equipped with a memory foam mattress, adjustable base and built in Slam warming drawer
  • Bottomless Sips & Snooze Hub with Signature Diner Blend coffee alarm, bacon sizzle sound machine and diner glow night light
  • Matty and Slammy pillows and sheet set
    [View on Instagram]

7. Smell sexy like soy sauce

Kikkoman: "A soy sauce so well-loved, we had to make it a perfume." [View on Instagram]

Kikkoman perfumeX

8. Haha. No for realz.

Grove Collaborative: "Meet our *smallest* launch yet. The Grove Co. 5% Collection: A lineup that’s just 5% of the normal size. Why? It’s made from the mere 5% of plastic that actually gets recycled.  Ok ok, April fools!  Grove Co. would never produce anything in virgin plastic. But while this collection is small in size, it’s BIG on making a point. If we wouldn’t use products this little, why would we keep relying on a recycling system with just as little impact?"  [View on Instagram]

9. Drink in peoples' basements

Drink Wisconsinbly: "You loved our DW Dive Bar Passport. We’re excited to introduce our new Wisconsin Basement Bar Passport! We’ve partnered with your friends and neighbors from all over Wisconsin. They’re opening their doors (front and fridge) to you all. Receive 1 FREE can of beer from each. Just stop by any participating house between 6am-2am. No need to knock. Just walk in and find your way down to the basement and grab yourself a cold one. Make yourself at home, pull up a stool and enjoy. Cheers Wisconsin! DrinkWi.co/basement"

Drink WisconsinblyX

10. Nutella Bnb

Nutella: “Welcome to the Nutella BnB, a stunning home rental in beautiful Lake Placid, NY, curated for the ultimate Nutella Lovers! Swipe through to explore the house, amenities, and attractions nearby. Stay tuned for details about booking and reservations in our story!” [View on Instagram]

Nutella BnbX

11. Fake the work out

Set Active: “Look, we get it. Our activewear is too high performance. So we created a solution. After years in the lab, hours of research, and hundreds of your comments saying 'Nobody can tell how sweaty I’m getting' and 'How is everyone in class supposed to know I’m working the hardest?' We present to you: THE WET SET. Each piece comes pre-saturated with our proprietary H2SET™ technology (it’s not real sweat, don’t worry – it just looks like it) ensuring you start your workout exactly how you’ll finish it: absolutely drenched. Guaranteed to maintain wetness for up to 12 hours* (*results may vary based on local humidity levels and personal drip factor.) Head to the site to shop.”  [View on Instagram]

The Wet Set from Set ActiveX

12. The worst of Madison

Madison Magazine: “New issue just dropped…” [View on Instagram]

Madison Magazine X

13. Silent Crunch Bars

Crunch Bar: "It wasn’t easy, but we did it. The first-ever silent CRUNCH bar is coming soon. Because not all heroes wear capes— some just cook their rice first." [View on Instagram]

14. A vehicle for butter?

Honey Butter Cafe: "Introducing our brand new menu item: The ‘Invisible Pancake’ — you just can’t see it! But trust us, it’s there. Come in and give it a try! Available only today for April Fools’ Day!" [View original post on Instagram]

Honey Butter CafeX

15. Legos gets cheesy

Mars Cheese Castle: "Announcing the LEGO Mars Cheese Castle set!

  • 31,243 pieces
  • $269.98 €249.33
  • Available April 1st / Worldwide April 3rd

This breathtakingly detailed castle recreates the atmosphere of Wisconsin’s finest cheese retailer. Complete with the iconic sign and funky cheese scent, this set brings a pit stop along I-94 to life.
*while supplies last" [View original post on Instagram]

Mars Cheese Castle LegosX

16. Cadbury on the goo

Cadbury UK: “Move over boring condiments, Creme Egg On The Goo is here”
[View on Instagram]

17. Seafood doughnuts

Grebes: "Check out our newest 'crullation': SHRIMP CRULL-PURA, a shrimp tempura-inspired mashup with a Grebe's twist!"  [View on Instagram]

Grebe'sX

18. Pickle brats

Johnsonville: "No one asked for this. Just dill with it. CHILL OUT EAT A @grillospickles SAUSAGE." [View on Instagram]

Johnsonville BratsX

19. Sauce for your face?

Raising Cane: "@iamcardib was the first to try our tastiest collab ever! Introducing: @raisingcanes x @ipsy Moisturizing Sauce"
[View on Instagram]

20. A brewery Airbnb

3 Sheeps: We're thrilled to announce our new 3 Sheeps Airbnb experience opening up this Summer! Just steps from our taproom, your overnight stay comes with a personal bartender and unlimited after hours laser tag in the brewery! [View on Instagram]

3 Sheeps AirbnbX

21. Butter chicken ice cream?

Deep Indian Kitchen: “Who said we can’t be hot & cool? We’re introducing our new ice cream line, featuring our top 5 best-selling flavors. But before you grab a spoon… maybe double check your calendar.” [View on Instagram]

Deep IndianX

22. Somebody call a Dr.

Tic Tac: “Somebody call a doctor!! Something big is about to drop…” [View on Instagram]

Dr. Pepper TicTacsX

23. Peachy pits? HAHA

Tree Ripe Fruit: “Get ready for the future of personal care: Peach Pie Scented Deodorant! Keep the peachy aroma fresh all day long. It’s like wearing a slice of Georgia right under your arms!” [View on Instagram]

Tree Ripe FruitX

24. Just good marketing

DWHome: "Introducing the HOTTEST Happy Meal toy yet... head to the DW Home app for the details!!"
[View on Instagram]

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.