Central Standard Craft Distillery announces second Crafthouse & Kitchen location opening in MKE airport
Crafthouse & Kitchen takes flight, landing a spot on Concourse C
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (March 12, 2025) — Central Standard Craft Distillery announces a new Crafthouse & Kitchen location, set to open in the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport this fall. This marks the second outpost following the award-winning downtown Milwaukee flagship, which received a Cream of the Cream City Award for its exceptional design in 2024.
Located on Concourse C, the 1,069-square-foot dining establishment will feature 51 seats around the bar and drink rail, offering a welcoming space for guests to enjoy signature cocktails and a selection of bestselling dishes from the original restaurant. The new Crafthouse & Kitchen is slated to open in September, delivering the same dedication to quality, innovation and hospitality that defines Central Standard.
“Crafthouse & Kitchen is more than just a restaurant — it embodies the energy and flavor of Milwaukee,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “Welcoming Central Standard to the Airport is just the beginning and we’re excited to continue elevating the MKE Airport experience.”
“The Airport is an incredible partner to work with and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity,” said Evan Hughes, co-founder of Central Standard Craft Distillery. “Whether travelers are arriving or departing, we want to create a memorable first impression of the city and share the craft quality that defines us.”
The award-winning Wisconsin-based distillery will also expand distribution across Airport bars, restaurants and retail. In anticipation of the new Crafthouse & Kitchen location, local and visiting travelers can enjoy Central Standard’s premium spirits at a variety of restaurants in the Airport or purchase a bottle at most major restaurant and retail spots.
“The craftsmanship that defines our downtown experience will soon be right at the departure gate, making this a pivotal moment for us,” said Jim Kanter, chief commercial officer at Central Standard Craft Distillery. “We’re proud to offer an authentic taste of Milwaukee, whether guests are enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at our new location or picking up a bottle to go.”
After celebrating its 10th anniversary in July 2024, this latest achievement further underscores Central Standard’s commitment to crafting premium spirits and sharing the taste of Wisconsin with a wider audience. To learn more about where to find Central Standard products, check out their product locator.
About Central Standard Distillery
Central Standard Craft Distillery, a small-batch, craft distillery in Milwaukee and the fastest-growing top-10 Wisconsin-based distiller, handcrafts award-winning bourbon, whiskey, vodka and gin from locally sourced ingredients, including cherries grown in Door County and honey harvested in Germantown. Founded in 2014, Central Standard spirits have won 40 medals across multiple craft distilling categories. As part of their commitment to sustainability, Central Standard is certified by the USDA-recognized Grown Climate Smart program, which ensures grains are grown using environmentally responsible practices. Learn more at thecentralstandard.com, or by following them on instagram.com/thecentralstandard/ or facebook.com/thecentralstandard.
About Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers nonstop flights to 30+ destinations coast-to-coast, and more than 200 international destinations are available with one easy connection. MKE is served by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. The complete list of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.
MKE, the winner of 2021 and 2022 ASQ Best Airport – North America awards for outstanding customer experience, is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, Airport Division, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. The Airport is entirely funded by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or for its day-to-day operation.
