By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Aug 11, 2023 at 6:13 PM

The Noble, 704 S. Second St., quietly closed their doors on Monday, Aug. 14, following their popular service industry brunch service.

Aside from a clue-filled final brunch menu that featured drink specials like "The Last Lunch-able Bloody" and "Do-nut Forget Me Honey Coffee", there was no fanfare.

There were no public announcements and no advanced warnings, albeit vague, almost unbelievable rumors, which began circulating about two weeks prior.

Instead, owners David Kressin and April Woehlfel made their exit on their own terms, with fond farewells delivered in person to those who visited during their final weeks in business.

Of course, news travels quickly. Sad farewell posts were shared by fans on social media. Articles were hastily written by publications across the city, sharing the news about the demise of the charmingly cozy Walker's Point restaurant, which opened its doors in the fall of 2011 and served an ever-changing menu of locally sourced seasonal dishes in a nearly untenably small space, which held little more than five cozy tables inside and a few more on the patio.

There are few who dined there who didn't come away amazed at the food. Was it familiar and comforting? Absolutely. Was it ordinary? Never. Even more, offerings like their Monday industry brunch (which was among the first in the city), drew crowds of convivial regulars every week. Here's what I noted about the restaurant when it opened.

Still, questions remained. Why would they close? 

Well, to those who've wondered, some questions have been answered – as much as they likely ever will be – by a message posted on Facebook today.

"Our sincere apologies for the delayed announcement… I think maybe we are still a little bit in denial.

The rumors are true, The Noble will be closing our doors.

We have been honored and blessed with a wonderful 13 years of service, making lifelong friendships and doing what we love every day.

Covid was a big eye opening experience for us. Being apart from family and friends, we realized how fleeting time is and had to make some tough choices for life priorities and our future.

Once we solidified our decision, things escalated quickly, so again we are sorry for the abrupt closure.

Thank you all so much for the love, support, kind words and beautiful memories.

You are the true Noble.

We love you and hope to see you in the future."

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “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 recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.