It's an exciting time on East North Avenue.
Crossroads Collective, Milwaukee's first food hall, will host a grand opening Dec. 17 at its location at Farwell & North.
The building, which had been empty since spring 2017, used to house a sports bar.
Across the street, the former home of G-Daddy's BBC, which also closed in 2017, will be occupied by a new, Hacienda Beer Co. taproom expected to open by Memorial Day.
"We have two really big, prominent buildings about to be filled with very unique, vibrant offerings for the area," said Liz Brodek, Executive Director of the East Side Business Improvement District.
She said there's been a push in recent years by local building owners to attract businesses with broad appeal.
East North Avenue has long been seen as a place full of bars appealing only to college students, Brodek said.
"Our landlords and property owners have done a fabulous job of pinpointing things the neighborhood needs," Brodek said. "In terms of the mix of businesses and catering to the surrounding areas."
Tim Gokhman, who owns the Crossroads Collective building, said it's a good strategy because the makeup of people living around North Avenue has become more diverse.
"We want to cater to everyone," Gokhman said of Crossroads Collective, which spans 7,000 square feet and will house up to eight food vendors.
"What I think is critical is to be aware of what the neighborhood is, and what it can be," he added.
