Mexican restaurant Fat Valdy’s is coming back to 5108 W. Blue Mound Rd.

Owner Valdemar Escobar plans to open the restaurant between May and June, his business partner, Patricia Ruiz-Cantu said.

Escobar owns and manages Asadero Fiesta Garibaldi, a Mexican steakhouse that opened in May 2023, and two Chicken Palace locations. Escobar also owns Fiesta Café, but it’s under different management, Ruiz-Cantu said.

Fat Valdy’s will offer a lunch buffet featuring handmade tortillas to order.

More: Mexican steakhouse Asadero Fiesta Garibaldi will make its home in the former Fritz’s Pub

Escobar has owned the building for nearly 22 years. Fat Valdy’s was open there until fall 2020 and Caliente Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar took over in the location in early 2021.

Escobar leased the building to the Caliente owners, who have since closed their restaurant.

MILWAUKEE – The owners of a Milwaukee food truck said they were robbed at gunpoint on Thursday night.

The Friday dinner rush at Taqueria La Herradura food truck moved along like any normal night. But the night before, owner Xochitl Maximino said they had one of the biggest shocks since they opened.

“They came with guns and everything,” she said.

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The food truck was parked near 25th and Lincoln when, Maximino said, two men parked around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. One of them asked to buy a soda, but once an employee went to get the drink, he jumped through the window and tried to grab the cash register. The money fell to the floor, and Maximino said one of the men pulled out a gun.

“We were scared because it was all so fast,” she said.

It all unfolded in front of other customers. The men stole about $2,000 and drove away, Maximino said.

“The good thing is that no one was hurt,” she said. “We have to continue working and move forward.”

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Maximino is also reminding other food truck operators to stay safe and vigilant, using her experience as a lesson. 

Police told FOX6 they are still looking for the robbers, and the investigation is ongoing.

FRANKLIN, Wis – About 20 minutes south of Downtown Milwaukee, the Community Reintegration Center holds inmates who hope to earn skills for life after incarceration. Community leaders held a panel at the CRC facility discussing personal accountability and life after incarceration on Friday

In October of 2023 it was announced the CRC would offer vocational training for the first time since 2008; the return of in-person visits were announced the following December. Milwaukee County’s latest budget allowed for free phone and video-calls. CRC Superintendent Shantelle Jones says they are trying to offer new opportunities for inmates who are nearing the end of their sentence.

“Sometimes all individuals need is a chance,” Superintendent Jones said. “We are creating opportunities that support change.”

Jason Turner has been at the CRC for six months, charged with multiple misdemeanors including Battery and Bail Jumping. He says he’s taking the opportunity to invest in himself: “(I’m) trying to take it all in and get as much positive knowledge as I can before I return back into society.”

The panel featured Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and Chief Judge of the First Judicial District Carl Ashley. They shared stories on overcoming crime, poverty and stereotypes of black men.

County Executive Crowley said it is important for citizens to adjust how they perceive former inmates.

“When you have someone who is a cancer patient, we don’t treat them as if they are a cancer patient,” Executive Crowley said. “When we talk about people with disabilities or mental health issues, we have to get rid of the stigma. We have to do the exact same thing for individuals who have been involved with the criminal justice system.”

Perry Marshall is an inmate at the CRC, charged with Recklessly Endangering Safety and Eluding an Officer. Marshall said he’s ready to be a contributing member of society again.

“(I want to) reintegrate back into the community to share my knowledge and my experience,” said Marshall.

People like Marshall can only succeed if they have the chance, according to Executive Crowley: “They want to become more productive in the community. We just have to find those opportunities and let them know that we’re here to support them.”

For Superintendent Jones, she says its never too late to make a change.

“You can be successful no matter what choices you’ve previously made. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.”

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