Since 1947, the Mars Cheese Castle at 2800 W. Frontage Rd. in Kenosha, has been an iconic cheese-themed destination. And thanks to a partnership with Milwaukee-based Retailworks, Inc. it will undergo additional renovations which are expected to be completed by June.
According to a release, the design will pay tribute to the family history of the destination by incorporating several interactive and photo-op stations, as well as the addition of fun medieval decorative components.
Expansion of the Mars Cheese Castle restaurant, along with the grocery, beer, cheese, gift and wine departments, is on the docket.
Additions include a long feast table in the wine department, complete with throne-style chairs and a large custom-made light fixture featuring iron and antlers. The fixture will feature a pulley system which allow the lighting to be raised and lowered. The room will be available for private parties and wine tastings, with food catered by Mars’ new executive chef.
The Mars Cheese Castle has undergone numerous renovations in the past ten years, including a new building in 2011, along with expansion in 2016 which effectively doubled the size of the iconic castle with a 21,042-square foot addition.
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.
