2025 has been an amazing year.
I’ve really started to enjoy creating a video or slideshow at the end of each year because it forces me to pause, look back, and truly appreciate not only how much we’ve accomplished—but how many lives we’ve been a part of along the way.
This year, we catered in so many corners of the city and beyond. We catered on-site at Discovery World twice for the first time, an event at South Second, Flower Fest at The Ivy House, Dumpling Fest at The Cooperage, multiple synagogues, countless personal celebrations in people’s homes, and even one of the very first events at the new Argo venue—just to name a few off the top of my head.
Each year, our connections with customers grow in deeper and more meaningful ways, while at the same time we continue reaching new people. Transitioning fully into Mosaic Catering has truly allowed us to spread our wings—we feel like we’re just getting started.
Last summer we participated in the Brown Deer and Mequon–Thiensville farmers markets, and we’re excited to add even more markets this coming season. Selling challah at the Rainbow Day Camp bus stop was another small but powerful moment—it reminded us that there are so many ways to connect with our community when we stay open, creative, and present.
None of this would be possible without our incredible team.
They are dedicated, hardworking, and deeply invested in what we do. This was especially clear during an intense Hanukkah season, when they powered through a true marathon week—producing over 2,000 sufganiyot and more than 2,000 latkes, on top of all our regular café and catering food.
While many people see the café, so much happens behind the scenes in our catering kitchen. That team is led by Nekida Clifton, who I originally started this business with 10 years ago. After six years doing her own thing, having her back has been truly special. Our savory team is rounded out by Beth Bell and Carrie Van Dyke, while our pastry team is the talented duo of Kate Thompson and Rachel Schmitz—with huge gratitude to Ashlee for stepping in during Kate’s maternity leave.
Our kitchen helpers Ari and Jahi keep everything running smoothly and clean. In the café, Carlos Cecil continues to lead with heart and consistency, supported by Aniyah, along with Hailey, Logan, and Eva during dinner service. We’re grateful for our mashgiach Yitzy Forbes, under the guidance of Rabbi Kramer, and for our always-reliable event staff—Shannon Cecil, Amanda Christensen, Felicia Pfeffer, Jackie Gueravich, Grant Kazan, Jean Bennett, Piper, Bonnie, and more. Jaleesa has also been an incredible addition as a dedicated delivery driver.
And of course, our customers are at the center of everything we do.
From messages telling me our smashburger is the best burger someone’s ever had, to special menu requests, to trusting us with your most meaningful celebrations—you are the reason we do what we do. Offering a Chinese menu for Christmas Eve was something new this year, and seeing the excitement around it made it clear this will be a yearly tradition.
We also launched our first kids cooking camp, which was a huge success. The entire team loved working with the kids, and we’re excited to bring it back. Hosting a cooking-competition birthday party was another highlight—collaborating with a young chef’s ideas and making them come to life was pure joy. These experiences have inspired so much of what’s coming next.
Our community partners are truly a gift.
The Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC continues to be a cornerstone partnership, and we’re constantly finding new ways to collaborate. The Milwaukee Jewish Federation, through both partnership and financial subsidy, helps ensure we can serve our community thoughtfully and sustainably—and we’re proud to support their many programs and umbrella organizations. Hillel Milwaukee has become an especially meaningful partner as they work tirelessly for college students, and we’re honored to support that mission.
Working with synagogues across the city—each with its own unique culture and needs—has been deeply fulfilling. We’ve also loved partnering again with Tikkun Ha-Ir, doing our second event with Pink Umbrella Theater Company, and supporting the incredible work of GiGi’s Playhouse this year.
With every experience, we continue to learn, grow, and refine who we are.
Looking ahead to 2026, there is so much to be excited about:
✨ Monthly Israeli brunches starting January 11
✨ Kids healthy cooking classes launching in January
✨ More community programming, collaborations, and growth
I often say our tagline is “great food that happens to be kosher,” and I see that vision solidifying more and more. We’re reaching wider audiences, connecting with new parts of the community, and deepening the relationships that matter most.
Thank you for supporting us, trusting us, and showing up—this isn’t just a job for us. It’s meaningful work, and we hope you feel that meaning in our food, our presentation, and every interaction.
Here’s to everything we’ve shared—and everything still to come. 💛
