This week on the pod we welcome Milwaukee business owner and community leader Omar Shaikh. Omar is well-known for his award-winning restaurant Carnevor, one of the top-rated steakhouses in Wisconsin, and he is also a partner in Wisconsin Ticket Concierge, O & B Consulting, and 3rd Street Market Hall at The Avenue and Tuk Tuk Chicago, a short-distance electric cab service. Omar has a passion for moving the city of Milwaukee forward through his active involvement in the community. He currently serves as board chairman of VISIT Milwaukee and is a member of the Wisconsin Center District board of directors.  

In the intro, Mac and David are on their own with Lindsay away. After a Gen-X-things chat gone too long (which you can hear some of in the easter egg at the end), they decide to share about their experiences of going back to favorite Milwaukee restaurants post-pandemic. 

At 12:16, Omar joins. His experience of visiting Wynwood Walls in Miami (12:56), his role in the Third Street Market Hall development which will feature 24 different vendors (15:10), how his love of connection with people got him into the hospitality industry (16:57), how restaurants worked together and the challenges and excitement of ramping back up (18:53), growth in Milwaukee and Omar’s deep belief in the city (23:59), Milwaukee’s diverse culinary scene (26:15), chef cliques and collaborations (27:50), Milwaukee’s tastes from simple to adventurous (29:30), Omar’s turn as Czar of Arts and Culture (31:55). 

Then, Mac and David wrap up the episode – and stick around for an easter egg of “Gen-X Things” at 41:00.  

Follow Omar: www.OmarMKE.com & @OmarMKE1 on Twitter 

Music Transitions: “Milwaukee Strong,” The Milwaukee All-Stars 

E2 Ephemera 

Wynwood Walls 

New Jersey Nets June 10 Menu at Carnevor 

The Avenue 

Alternate Opening Easter Egg Ephemera 

McDade’s 

American Sale 

What Killed Service Merchandise?