Milwaukee is home to numerous family-owned businesses. Among them is the multifaceted Marcus Corporation, which was founded by Ben Marcus in 1935, and which now comprises a collection of movie theaters, restaurants and hotels across the country.
This week, we’re sitting down with David Marcus, CEO of Marcus Investment Group, the parent company of Benson’s Restaurant Group (operators of AJ Bombers, Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria, Onesto and Smoke Shack) and to talk about his experience as a third generation operator.
During our conversation, we discuss the legacy of the Marcus restaurants, from the Marc’s Big Boy franchise and Kentucky Fried Chicken to cult favorite, Captain’s Steak Joint. But Marcus also shares what drew him to the family business, the story behind the rebranding of Hospitality Democracy to Benson’s Restaurant Group, and a few more details about the plans for Benson’s new restaurants the Harbor District R1ver Campus.
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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.
