By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Oct 09, 2019 at 6:56 PM

It's time for Dining Month, presented by Deer District and its spooky Halloween-themed alter ego, Fear District. Throughout the month of October, we'll be serving up fun and fascinating content about all things food. The signature dish, however, is our 2019 Best of Dining poll, who's winners we will dish out all month long. Get hungry, Milwaukee! 

The choice to take on a family business is tough. And when that business has persisted for nearly 100 years, it's even more challenging.

In today’s podcast (part one of a two-part episode), we chat with Julian Kegel, the 4th generation owner of Kegel’s Inn in West Allis about the years leading up to his decision to take over the family business. During our conversation, he shares his story, from working for his dad’s business (Wheel & Sprockett) to living with Jim Hoyt, renowned mentor to bicyclist Lance Armstrong, in Texas. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on finding his own way in the world, living in Alaska and launching his photography business, a series of events which would ultimately prepare him to move back home to assume his role as owner of Kegel’s Inn.

Listen in!

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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.