The Tandem, which opened its doors in November of 2016 at 1848 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., has never been an ordinary restaurant. Founded with three goals in mind: to nourish neighbors, to build careers and to support the community, the eatery gleaned a following not only for its menu, but for its commitment to the Lindsay Heights community in which it resides.
Even after shuttering its doors in March following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the three tenets of The Tandem's mission have remained steadfast. In fact, they've evolved over time to meet even greater needs.
On this week’s podcast, we chat with Caitlin Cullen, owner of The Tandem, about how the restaurant’s model has changed over the course of the last six months and how they have continued to nourish the community in new ways: first by feeding those in need and now by offering after-school tutoring for local students.
During the course of our candid (yet inevitably smile-invoking) conversation, Cullen shares her experience at the helm of a sinking restaurant ship, the risks she’s taken to continue the work she began in 2016 and the future she sees, even during these foggy, uncertain times.
Listen in!
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As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "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 planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
