Saturday, September 6th, 2025 was a banner day on King Drive for new businesses and family hot spots.
There were three grand openings all on the same day, on just one street: MLK Drive. That includes Herbs 'N Lather, Summer of '85, and the newest branch of the Milwaukee Public Library system.
Our very own Vice President (and lover of themed parties) deemed it a reason to celebrate. So they hit the streets to enjoy the festivities and report back to you on everything new!
Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Branch
2901 N Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive
The grand opening of the newest part of the MPL family was a party and a family affair. The Milwaukee Fire Department set up shop outside with a giant wood fired pizza oven and served everyone hot, delicious pizza. The ingredients were donated by Glorioso's and the dough was hand stretched by Milwaukee Fire and Rescue.
There were plenty of ways to get interactive and engaged with the new library. That included musical story hour for the little ones with Mama Edie inside the children's section, a group scrapbook project, free tote bags, prizes to win, and a culinary presentation by Chef Sharrie Agee. There was also a fast track for folks of all ages who wanted to sign up for their first library card. Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Branch
Summer of '85
2213 N Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive
The newest bar on MLK is also the most retro. We are thrilled to have a new hot spot to belt out some karaoke, eat loaded tots and mozzarella sticks, and get funky with it. The official ribbon cutting was on August 28th, with a soft launch for friends and family. The grand opening followed one week later.
What do we love? The walkability. The friendly owners. The classic hits. The beautiful interior space. And the retro arcade in the lower level that will blast you back to your childhood. Come check it out. Summer of '85
Herbs 'N Lather
1950 N Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive
After perfecting their formulas and expanding their offerings, Sister Ro, Rochundra, and her husband Alfonso have opened a brick and mortar storefront for their holistic body care essentials. That includes skin care, hair products, and accessories. They also offer a limited selection of locally made treats in their cooler.
They grew this business in their home over the last 10 years from a passion of wanting to live and eat healthy. That passion then transcended into wanting to use healthy products, because we "eat through our skin," too.
Come on in with questions and curiosity. This family run business is friendly and knowledgeable. Herbs 'N Lather
What else is on King Drive?
These are just the newest additions to a five block stretch of King Drive. They join:
- 414loral, a boutique flower shop
- Allah Mode, a therapeutic healing space
- Dream Lounge Social, a stylish sports lounge
- Kinship Cafe, a mission breakfast and lunch spot inside the new ThriveOn building
- Bronzeville Kitchen and Lounge, a restaurant
- Niche Book Bar, a local bookstore showcasing Black authors
And there are even more businesses opening in 2026, including Soil Wine Company (a wine bar, formerly slated as VINT).
About the author
Rachel Marken