By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jan 06, 2017 at 2:01 PM

"Change is inevitable; progress is optional." — Tony Robbins

It's true. Change is, indeed, inevitable and this week hit home as we saw Cempazuchi, another Brady Street restaurant announce that it would be closing its doors. It's a void many Milwaukeeans are already feeling, even as it remains open for the next few weeks.

But, it’s not the first time this neighborhood has been in flux.

Over the years, Brady Street has been the epitome of change. Initially settled by early German, Irish and Polish immigrants, Brady Street eventually became a hub for Milwaukee’s Italian community. During the 1960s, it was a haven for Milwaukee’s hippie community. And during the late ‘80s, it experienced a "renaissance" which transformed it into a thriving cultural center that was alive with pubs, restaurants, coffee houses, boutiques, vintage stores and a wide variety of festivals.

For years, the street was a hub for shopping, dining and nightlife. Shops like Dragonfly provided eclectic shopping. The True Value Hardware store provided necessities for local residents. Restaurants like Mimma’s offered up fine dining options. And Bosley’s on Brady brought a taste of Key West to the East Side.

The True Value has since been transformed into Harry’s on Brady. Dragonfly announced plans to close early this year. Mimma’s closed this year. And Bosley’s on Brady was sold and is being "reconcepted." Spots like Pepi’s Pizza moved in, but closed after just a few months

There are still some strong-holds on the street including Glorioso’s Italian Market (1946), Hi-Hat (1998), Balzac (2005), Nomad World Pub (1995), Regano's Roman Coin (1966) and Rochambo (1995). There are also new additions like Easy Tyger and La Masa, which have brought new energy to the street. And Glorioso’s remains, even bigger and better than before. But, many of the street’s boutiques and vintage shops have shuttered. And national venues like Qdoba are on the docket for the street, which once housed almost exclusively independently owned businesses.

In fact, if you knew the Brady Street of 10 years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to recognize what it’s become.

So, what’s next for Brady Street? What kinds of businesses would you like to see there?

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.