Partner Spotlight: Black Shoe Hospitality

Representing Black Shoe Hospitality is co-owner Dan Sidner. We had a few questions for him to shine a light on what they do here in the community.

Hi Dan, what's one song you can't stop listening to?

I made my ringtone Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and I still love it.

What are you most passionate about in regards to what is happening in our community and what is Black Shoe doing for the community?

You’ve got to be fired up about the development that is happening throughout the community right now. There are so many interesting big projects, from the new arena, the streetcar, the research park, and the water center, to investments by big companies and our universities. Small businesses, particularly in hospitality, are growing and pushing each other to excellence. Black Shoe employs 200 people locally, and contributes to more than 200 local organizations each year.

How did Black Shoe get started and what is in store for 2018-2019?

We choose the name Black Shoe Hospitality after opening our third restaurant, Story Hill BKC, which was preceded by Maxie’s and Blue’s Egg. Honest, hardworking restaurant staff around the world show up to work every day in uniform wearing a good pair of sturdy black shoes. This year, we are working to provide excellent experiences at our new Blue’s Egg location in Shorewood, at our in-house Black Shoe Bakery, and menu selections from all our restaurants through Black Shoe Catering. 

Why do you choose to support 88Nine?

We're proud to have supported 88Nine from its beginning, which was also the year we opened our first restaurant, Maxie's. The station has helped improve and grow our community immeasurably in the last 11 years. By supporting 88Nine, we communicate to its listeners that we also value our community and the things that make it unique.