Milwaukee’s Southside Dining Week recently celebrated its fourth year of international cuisine, cultural diversity and community spirit. Sponsored by North Shore Bank, this year’s event attracted food lovers, families, and friends from across the city, all eager to sample the unique flavors that the south side has to offer. This week-long celebration highlights the area’s culinary excellence and the close-knit community that defines Milwaukee’s south side.
The week was made extra special by the large number of bank employees who turned out to enjoy the fun!
The Live Band Kick Off presented by MasterCard® at Zocalo Food Truck Park got the event going, along with a maker’s market. Local artist Michael Cerda painted a mural that nods to North Shore Bank’s commitment to spreading kindness in the communities it serves.
The mural depicts the legs of a Tarahumara runner. Tarahumaras, or Raramuris, are an Indigenous people from Mexico’s Chihuahua state. The color palette is minimal and impactful, chosen to reflect the green of the earth and the warmth of the sun. Also inspiring this mural imagery is the growing running culture in Milwaukee and the use of Zocalo Tavern as a hub for local running groups.
Community Engagement Manager Alfredo Martin welcomed the crowd during the event, sharing the bank’s longstanding commitment to the south side. Twenty years ago, North Shore Bank was the first bank in the region to open a branch inside a multicultural supermarket. That dedication has only grown stronger, with multiple branches now serving southside neighborhoods.
“It has been a very exciting experience being part of our fourth Southside Dining Week with almost 60 restaurants this year!” Alfredo said. “The kick off was an incredible day with music, food and super beautiful weather.”
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Jackson Park Teller Antonio Rodriguez Mata, Jackson Park Personal Banker Alexandra Calderon, Residential Processing and Closing Supervisor Marta Acosta and Community Engagement Manager Alfredo Martin represented the bank at the event.
Although delicious food is at the core of Southside Dining Week, it is about more than that—it’s about celebrating the local businesses, restaurants and families that make Milwaukee’s south side so special. The event brings people together to share meals, local art and entertainment, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines this part of the city.
Congratulations to all on another great event!