Central Standard Craft Distillery, 613 S. 2nd St., will host a very special event at its distillery tasting room on Wednesday, Nov. 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The event is the fruit of a partnership with Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce to help promote veteran-owned and veteran-supported businesses throughout the state.
During the event, attendees can celebrate and honor our nation's heroes, purchase limited-edition, veteran-themed bottles of Central Standard vodka, and enjoy music by the J. Ryan Trio and eats from Iron Grate BBQ Co.
"As proud Milwaukeeans, we couldn’t think of a better community to give back to than veterans and military families," noted Pat McQuillan, co-founder of Central Standard Craft Distillery in a release about the event. "Partnering with the WVCC was a natural fit, given their outreach to the nearly 5,000 veteran-owned or supported businesses in the Milwaukee metro area."
Twenty percent of all proceeds from the event will benefit the WVCC and its programs, which are aimed at expanding economic opportunities for military veterans and their allies in the state. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, veterans own 9 percent of businesses in America. Those businesses generate $1.2 trillion in receipts and employ 5.8 million workers. WVCC’s also focuses on assisting veteran-friendly businesses in attracting veterans into their workforce.
"Central Standard Craft Distillery has been one of the strongest supporters of the WVCC since our inception one year ago," said Saul Newton, executive director of the WVCC.
"Veterans and veteran-owned businesses are a vital part of the the state’s economy. Thanks to partners like Central Standard, we have the opportunity to spread the word and create more resources for our members."
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.
