Partner Spotlight: Beans & Barley

Each month we celebrate a local business or organization that supports Radio Milwaukee. This month, we chat with Beans & Barley -- a natural food store and restaurant that has been around since the '70s.

Hi, what is your name and title at Beans & Barley?

James Neumeyer, co-owner.

What is one song you can't stop listening to and why?

Yes - "South Side of the Sky." It's just in there (my brain) all the time for right now. 

What are you most passionate about in regard to what is happening in our community and what is Beans & Barley doing for the community?

I personally have played music and been around it for many years. As a father of two daughters, I am more than excited to see what's happening  with the Girls Rock MKE camps here. Our most recent donation of food is headed to their wonderful volunteers! I also have been floored by the changing landscapes of venues and radio in Milwaukee concerning those spaces being those of inclusion, and in a very real way changing and working on that all the time. Cheers to those who do that work. 

How did Beans & Barley get started and what is in store for 2019-2020?

It all started in 1973 as a small neighborhood health-food store with a half-dozen crocks for bulk goods and two coolers. Beans added slowly to its list of products as customers requested. In 1979, believing that just like everyone else, "health-food" shoppers would appreciate quick, hot food in the middle of a busy day, we started serving food from there we have been evolving and adding to our repertoire while trying to remain a community-minded business. We are very excited to be expanding to the Mequon Public Market along with some excellent Milwaukee neighbors. 

Why do you choose to support 88Nine?

We have supported 88Nine since it's beginning because we believed in its vision to bring all types of people's music to all types of people.