News Summary
Milwaukee’s east side sees a wave of closures, with three businesses shutting down in recent months. Triple Taproom, L’Incontro, and Crossroads Collective faced challenges amid declining consumer spending and profitability. The local beverage sector reflects a national trend as businesses strive to adapt in a tough economy. Despite these closures, hope remains with new establishments opening, such as Nadi Plates. Community advocates highlight the need for support and investment to foster a resilient business environment.
Milwaukee is witnessing a wave of business closures on its east side as economic challenges continue to burden local establishments. In the past three months, three businesses have shut their doors near Farwell and North streets: Triple Taproom, L’Incontro, and Crossroads Collective.
Triple Taproom, a collaborative space for three Wisconsin breweries, lasted about a year before closing. The founder of 3 Sheeps Brewing expressed disappointment over the loss, acknowledging the spot’s popularity. Alongside the closures, the economic landscape remains tough for many businesses. Increased difficulty in maintaining profitability in the downtown area has been highlighted, with reports of decreased weekend traffic and a trend of patrons leaving after work hours instead of staying for dinner and happy hour.
The struggles facing the local beverage industry mirror a nationwide trend, where craft beer production decreased by nearly 4% last year according to the Brewers Association. Another closure affecting the community was L’Incontro, an Italian restaurant that also lasted approximately one year. Owners cited declining consumer spending as a significant factor impacting revenues for small businesses, further compounding the issues in the market. Additionally, Crossroads Collective, a nearby food hall, closed in May 2025.
Local residents are visibly affected by these closures, with one observing how concerning it is to see good businesses go. However, there is a sense of hope for new establishments to take their place. Renovation work is already underway at the former Crossroads Collective location, where a new restaurant named Nadi Plates is set to open soon.
The East Side Business Improvement District does not perceive the recent closures as indicative of a long-term trend. Instead, they emphasize that long-standing businesses reaching milestones, alongside new openings, reflects a dynamic business ecosystem. While the current climate may be challenging, there is encouragement within the community to recognize the potential of the area.
Public services and city investment are seen as crucial components to help businesses thrive in the face of these challenges. Despite the closures, local advocates continue to promote support for the region, highlighting the presence of strong neighborhood establishments that still remain.
This series of business closures illustrates the broader difficulties encountering small businesses and the evolving nature of consumer behavior, as local entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the current economy. The East Side of Milwaukee remains a focal point for ongoing economic discourse as stakeholders work to foster a resilient business environment.
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Additional Resources
- WTMJ: New Music Venue, Data Center Plans
- BizTimes: Milwaukee Area Businesses Damage
- Fox6: Milwaukee Businesses Closure
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- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Milwaukee Business News
- Google Scholar: Milwaukee Economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee
- Google News: Milwaukee Business Closures
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
