Following Starbucks' nearly 20-year run as the vendor at Red Arrow Park, the Milwaukee County Parks announced today that Biggby Coffee is the new chosen partner for the cafe, which flanks the park on the east.
Founded in 1995, Biggby Coffee is a swiftly expanding Michigan-based coffee chain, which currently operates 361 outlets across 13 U.S. states, including ten in Wisconsin. The newest opens next week at 5861 S. Packard Ave. in Cudahy.
"We are proud to welcome Biggby Coffee to Red Arrow Park and believe their presence will contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of this downtown destination," said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks in a release. "Our commitment to providing exceptional experiences in our parks remains steadfast, and we are confident that this collaboration will bring new energy to Red Arrow Park."
Biggby Coffee offers a menu of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, energy drinks, frozen drinks and food options including muffins, bagels and bagel sandwiches.
"Red Arrow Park is a catalytic destination in our community, and Milwaukee County is committed to further activating this downtown hotspot," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. "We anticipate that the arrival of a new food and beverage operator will deliver new energy, opportunity, and delicious concessions for parkgoers to enjoy moving forward."
The partnership between Milwaukee County Parks and Biggby Coffee, which was the product of the city’s RFP process, is still pending approval by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. But Smith notes that there is much excitement surrounding the potential for the new vendor to contribute to the park's future.
"As the stewards of these public spaces, Milwaukee County Parks takes pride in fostering partnerships that enrich the community experience," notes Smith.
"Red Arrow Park has a lot to offer this winter, including the anticipated opening of the ice rink and various recreational activities. We encourage the community to embrace the changes and enjoy the park's offerings."
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.
