MILWAUKEE — Thursday was an exciting Opening Day at American Family Field.

Loren Rue, the executive chef who oversees the team’s food operations, said it’s one he’s been waiting two years for.

Rue was hired ahead of the 2020-2021 season. While he was at spring training preparing for his first year on the new job, the COVID pandemic shut down baseball and most of the country. 

​"In 2020, there were no fans in the stands. So that made my job, and retaining someone like me, difficult," Rue said.

With no concessions being offered in the ballpark, Rue said he used the unexpected time off to spend more time with friends and family.

2021 proved to be a better year, as the team eventually welcomed in full-capacity crowds to American Family Field.

But at the beginning of the season, on Opening Day, the crowd was limited in capacity.

“When you’re only allowing 10,000 to 12,000 people in, it doesn’t really feel like an Opening Day,” Rue said.

So this year, the team’s executive chef is finally getting the chance to welcome in a full stadium to begin a new season. The Brewers have overhauled their concessions in a partnership with Black Shoe Hospitality.

The company operates popular Milwaukee-area restaurants like Maxie’s and Story Hill BKC.

“You can still get your brat, your plain roll, your hot dog, but we really wanted to elevate everything,” Rue said. 

The team is selling brats with toppings like brandied onions, cranberries or swiss cheese. 

Rue added the meats are all born and raised in Wisconsin.

“I take complete ownership of making sure that when people come to the ballpark, they have a fantastic experience,” he said.

It’s an approach Rue traces to his background working in fine dining.

Prior to working for the Brewers, he worked at the American Club in Kohler.

“My background is in fine dining,” Rue said. “We want to elevate a traditional item and make it special. I think that whether you​’re at the ballpark, or even just a diner, there will always be the opportunity to wow people.”