A Wisconsin twist

The idea of a Wisconsin supper club conjures up thoughts of the Friday night fish fry, Saturday night prime rib and Sunday chicken large portions, friendly bartenders and a hand-muddled old fashioned in a dimly-lit venue.

While supper clubs trended around the country in the 1940s, the concept really exploded in Wisconsin, where Prohibition roadhouses/dance halls were transformed into eating establishments following World War II.

Supper clubs evolved into a community gathering place and secured their spot in many Wisconsin cities and towns, with hundreds still existing today.
That feeling of comfort and nostalgia is what organizers of the 2025 NFL Draft Taste of the Draft plan to bring to the 2025 event.

The Green Bay Packers, NFL and nonprofit GENYOUth recently announced the debut of a brand-new experience to be held on the eve of the NFL Draft — the Taste of the Draft.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, along with representatives from GENYOUth and Schreiber Foods, announced the new event on Oct. 3 at Schreiber Foods.

Planned for Wednesday, April 23, at Schreiber Foods in downtown Green Bay, the event will showcase Wisconsin cuisine and supper club culture while raising funds to benefit GENYOUth.

GENYOUth ensures kids “have equitable access to good nutrition and opportunities for physical activity.”

Proceeds from the Taste of the Draft will go toward GENYOUth’s work to address food insecurity in Wisconsin schools.

“We like to say, doing good has never tasted so great,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, GENYOUth CEO. “Taste of the Draft is driven by a commitment to provide Wisconsin’s children with the nourishment they need to thrive. School meals are essential, offering healthy, nutrient-packed meals including milk & dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. We are deeply grateful to the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, Schrieber Foods, and our purpose-driven partners for their unwavering support. Together, we’re ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need, not only to be well-nourished but to support their overall well-being and academic success, empowering them to reach their full potential. After all, the only hunger a child should have is a hunger to learn.”

The Taste of the Draft 2025 will be the first of its kind and is modeled after the Taste of the NFL event held each year during Super Bowl activities.
Culinary master/Author Andrew Zimmern will host Taste of the Draft 2025 and guests will enjoy entertainment and a chance to meet Packers and NFL Legends.

“There’s an incredible amount of excitement and anticipation around the 2025 Draft in Green Bay, a city that will surely shine on a global stage, thanks to the Packers, Discover Green Bay and all our local partners,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events. “As a part of our commitment to leaving a positive impact on the local community, we’re thrilled to announce the first Taste of the Draft event, which will highlight Wisconsin’s cuisine and heritage while benefiting GENYOUth’s efforts to fight student hunger throughout the state. Building off the success of Taste of the NFL at Super Bowl, the inaugural Taste of the Draft event is sure to be a cannot-miss occasion for Wisconsin residents and visitors alike.”

“The Taste of Draft will be another great opportunity for the Draft to benefit our community with proceeds having a direct impact on Wisconsin schools to address food insecurity for students, which is a huge issue across the state,” Murphy explained.

“As we look at different ways to make the Draft of 2025 special, we kept hearing about the success of the taste of the NFL, which has been a huge success at Super Bowls every year. And I’ve been there many times, and they’re incredible. We thought something similar would work perfectly in Green Bay. But of course, we wanted to make sure we have a Wisconsin twist.
“I think just talking to some of the planners about some of the things that they’ll do… I think it will be a nod to the full supper club experience, from relish trays, after dinner ice drinks, old fashioneds — I think those will be a big part of it — and everything in between.”

An old-fashioned experience
While several theories have evolved on how Wisconsin began its love affair with the old-fashioned — many connect it to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the Korbel brothers and their brandy and/or the German community in the state — most agree that what made it unique was the use of brandy, while the remainder of the country uses whiskey.

Instead of bourbon, sugar and bitters, Wisconsin’s drink is made with brandy and a muddled mixture of maraschino cherries, orange slices, sugar and bitters.
In an old fashioned sweet, lemon-lime soda is added; in the sour version, grapefruit soda is added; and in the old fashioned “press” — short for Presbyterian — a mix of lemon-lime soda and club soda is used.

Taste of the Draft organizers are also seeking “tradition-rich and well-regarded Wisconsin supper clubs” from throughout the state to take part in the event.
Contact Jennifer Lauerman at jennifer@boldnorthassociates.com for more information.

Details on the event may be found at tasteofthenfl.com/taste-of-the-draft-2025.

The 2025 NFL Draft will take place in Green Bay April 24-26.