QSR Magazine: Meet the Fast Casual Reinventing Beers and Brats

Lemongrass brats anyone? While Milwaukee residents are certainly no stranger to bratwursts and hot dogs, Vanguard is starting to shake things up with unusual menu items like jalapeño Cheddar brats and more. According to a recent QSR Magazine article, restaurateur Jim McCann and former bar manager Chris Schulist opened the fast casual two years ago along with Chef Shay Linkus as part of the nightlife scene that includes daytime business with hearty food, full bar, and signature cocktails.

In an interview with the magazine, Schulist explains, “Nothing says Milwaukee like beer and bratwursts. Since it was such a familiar food, we thought we could push the boundaries.”

With their Octopus Chorizo and Duck BLT, the boundaries have certainly been pushed. Customers can also enjoy classic house-made brats, or vegan/vegetarian sausages if they aren’t feeling quite so adventurous.

The restaurant is focusing on new menu ideas, with a new menu every quarter. With that consistent variety, customers will be sure to come back to try different offerings at least every few months, if not more.

“We love it when people get really excited about our new menu items. More than anything, it seems like the neighborhood has embraced us, and we want them to keep coming back.”