By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jul 15, 2020 at 7:01 PM

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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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. 

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.