It’s a well known fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has been brutal for bars and restaurants. In fact, that ugly reality is becoming more and more clear as restaurants across the nation struggle to remain open. It’s a quandary that leaves food lovers asking, time and time again: What can be done?
Today we’re talking with L. Maxwell McKissick, founder of Serve 60, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism across the U.S. During our chat, McKissick talks about his organization, his journey as a Black entrepreneur and how his organization is stepping up during COVID-19 to assist independent restaurants, particularly those owned by people of color. Along the way, we discuss the reasons why Black-owned restaurants have been among the hardest hit, the challenges they face and the very real ways that diners can educate themselves and step up to support them.
Listen in!
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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.
