Category: Client news

North Italia Makes Its Wisconsin Arrival In Madison

Posted on by Taylor Kennedy

September 2, 2026 – Today, the nationally recognized Italian concept North Italia, known for its scratch-made cuisine, hand-tossed pizzas and stunning craft cocktails, opens its newest outpost in Madison, Wisconsin. Marking its Wisconsin debut, North Italia is excited to join Madison’s growing culinary scene, bringing chef-driven, regionally inspired Italian favorites, and more to the city.

Located at the North end of Madison’s beloved lifestyle destination, Hilldale, at 670 N Midvale Blvd., North Italia Madison is a prime gathering space for weekend brunches, everyday lunches, and dinner with friends and family. Occupying nearly 7,000 sq. ft., the dining room, bar, and covered patio comfortably seat 174 guests and accommodate parties of all sizes. With the restaurant’s signature open kitchen format, guests seated in the dining room can watch the action unfold throughout their meal, as the expert culinary team handmakes pastas, pizzas and other beloved dishes from scratch in-house daily.

At North Italia Madison, the design takes a fun, more playful approach that reflects both the character of the local landscape and the community it serves. North Italia commissioned Madison-based muralist and painter Audifax to create distinctive murals for both the indoor dining area and the restaurant’s exterior. Known for its rich history and surrounding lakes, Madison inspired a playful art installation that draws parallels between the city’s beloved lakes and Italy’s iconic waterways. The art at North Italia Madison incorporates vibrant pops of color and draws inspiration from nature and the outdoors, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests of all ages. Rooted in natural elements and cultural storytelling, custom murals and artwork weave together Madison’s heritage and Italian mythology, resulting in a layered, narrative-driven design that gives the restaurant a distinctive sense of place.

At the helm of North Italia Madison’s culinary and operations team are Executive Chef Catie Swimm and General Manager Ali Scherer, two of the brand’s veteran female leaders. Guests in the Madison community can now enjoy signature dishes that quickly cemented North Italia as a go-to for modern Italian dining across the country, while also experiencing new and seasonal fare. Highlights include:

  • Chef’s Board featuring prosciutto di parma, speck, stracciatella & black truffle honey, pecorino stagionato, campari glazed nuts, marinated olive, giardiniera and fig jam
  • White Truffle Garlic Bread with house made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano and herbs
  • Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto Pizza with scamorza, speck, calabrian honey, arugula, and pecorino toscano
  • Spicy Italian Grinder sandwich (Lunch only) with sopressatta, calabrese, smoked prosciutto, provolone, piquillo pepper, cherry tomato, giardiniera
  • Agnolotti Al Pomodoro withricotta, pecorino, simple tomato sauce, basil
  • Bolognese (House Specialty) with traditional meat sauce, pappardelle, grana padano and wild oregano
  • Spicy Rigatoni Vodka with Italian sausage, crispy pancetta, shaved garlic, torn basil, and grana Padano
  • Braised Short Rib Marsala with beech mushroom, snap pea, heirloom carrot, black truffle risotto, and affinato
  • Strawberries & Cream French Toast (Brunch only) featuring cinnamon custard brioche, cannoli cream, and buttered maple syrup
  • Bistro Steak & Eggs (Brunch only) with sunny-side up eggs, calabrian potato hash, and rosemary bearnaise

Those who leave room for dessert can indulge in classics and fan-favorites like the Brookie Sundae, Tiramisu, or Hazelnut Torta, made with housemade nutella, candied hazelnut, and salted caramel gelato. Not to be missed are North Italia’s craft cocktails like the New Italian Spritz and Neapolitan, as well as its extensive wine list featuring familiar favorites and wines brought in from around the world. Guests can also sip on inventive zero-proof options like the La Spezia made with Pentire non-alcoholic, blood orange, honey, lemon, and spiced salt.

Reservations are now available via OpenTable. Guests will be able to enjoy lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch service, plus takeout, online ordering and delivery via DoorDash. Group and private dining options are also available. Walk-ins are welcomed.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Reservations are encouraged through OpenTable. To view full menus or place takeout and delivery orders, please visit northitalia.com.

  • Lunch | Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Dinner | Sunday – Thursday from 4 – 10 p.m.
  • Dinner | Friday – Saturday from 4 – 11 p.m.
  • Brunch | Saturday – Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Happy Hour | Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. at the bar

ABOUT NORTH ITALIA

North Italia was conceived by Fox Restaurant Concepts founder Sam Fox in Arizona in 2002. Since then, the neighborhood Italian restaurant has expanded to over 50 locations across the U.S. Using only the season’s best ingredients, North Italia’s chefs create a variety of modern Italian dishes, including pastas made from scratch daily, hand-tossed pizzas like the classic Margherita or fan-favorite The Pig, and savory lunch and dinner entrees like the Grilled Branzino and Seared Sea Scallops that deliver flavors that go above and beyond the expected. Complementing North Italia’s food menu is a full-bodied wine and beer list accompanied by an array of handcrafted cocktails. For more information, visit northitalia.com.

ABOUT HILLDALE

WS Development has successfully transformed Hilldale into an outdoor street-style shopping experience equipped with pedestrian walkways, social gathering spots, and lush landscaping.

Hilldale is home to more than 55 shops, restaurants, and entertainment options including Apple, lululemon, Madewell, Anthropologie, Levi’s, Shake Shack, L.L. Bean, Kendra Scott, Sur La Table, and Title Nine, alongside best-in-class local offerings like Morgan’s Shoes, Ulla Eyewear, Twigs, Allure Intimate Apparel and Crescendo Espresso Bar. Hilldale most recently welcomed a handful of new offerings including Faherty, Rowan, Sephora, Warby Parker, Jaxen Grey, Sweetgreen, and Gorjana.

Hilldale brings Madison’s best together in one easy-access Midtown west side location. The laidback, strollable setting makes Hilldale feel like a mini getaway, even when you’re close to home. For more information, go to www.hilldale.com and find them on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT WS DEVELOPMENT

Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each community it serves with best-in-class installations and activations. Established in 1990, WS is a vertically integrated company that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers.  With over 25 million square feet of existing space and an additional 10 million square feet of planned development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country. For more information, visit www.wsdevelopment.com, call 617.232.8900 or follow WS Development on LinkedIn.

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Forward Festival Returns for 16th Year With Community-Led Programming

Posted on by Reilley Farrar

(MADISON, Wis.)—More than 50 events organized by entrepreneurs and partner organizations will take place during the 16th annual Forward Festival held Aug. 17-21, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders to connect, learn and collaborate.

“Forward Festival continues to evolve alongside the entrepreneurial community,” Ross Larson, festival board member and software developer at Paradigm, said. “What makes the festival unique is that it’s built by the community, for the community. Every event offers an opportunity to learn something new, make meaningful connections and be inspired by all the innovation happening across Wisconsin.”

The 2026 event continues to expand with new programming, including experiential networking opportunities, from a sauna networking event on Aug. 17, to hands-on sessions covering government sales, building stronger client relationships, understanding Wisconsin’s growing organic food ecosystem and founder productivity. These events join the festival’s continued focus on trends, including artificial intelligence, with nine sessions exploring practical applications of AI, highlighted by the inaugural AI Summit on Aug. 21 at 100state.

Returning signature events include the Badger Startup Summit on Aug. 17, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Pressure Chamber pitch competition event on Aug. 18 and the High Tech Happy Hour 25th Anniversary Celebration on Aug. 20 at the UW Memorial Union.

Attendees can choose from several pass options to fit different interests and levels of participation, including two new offerings this year.

  • Forward Visionary Pass (NEW): The premium Forward Fest experience for supporters who want to help advance the festival’s mission while enjoying exclusive benefits, including access to all events, a name badge, Forward Fest shirt, Forward Festive Ale and a special surprise
  • All-Inclusive Forward Pass with Swag: Includes access to all Forward Fest events, plus a name badge, Forward Fest shirt and Forward Festive Ale
  • All-Inclusive Forward Pass: Provides access to all Forward Fest events without the additional merchandise
  • Free Events Forward Pass – Supported by a $20 Contribution (NEW): Offers access to all free Forward Fest events while allowing attendees to support the continued growth of the festival with a voluntary contribution
  • Free Events Forward Pass: Provides access to all free Forward Fest events at no cost
  • Single Event Tickets: Available for attendees who want to participate in individual Forward Fest events without purchasing a full pass

Ticket prices will increase for the All-Inclusive Forward Pass (without Swag) after Aug. 5. Once participants buy a Forward Pass, they can RSVP to events with one click and have events synced to their calendars.

Forward Festival is sponsored by Fine Point Consulting, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, M3 Insurance, Neider & Boucher, Swink, WEDC and the Wisconsin Union. Public relations support is provided by Revelation PR, Advertising & Social Media.

For a detailed listing of events happening during the Forward Festival, please visit www.forwardfest.org.

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Madison Symphony Orchestra Names Laura Jackson as Next Music Director

Posted on by Reilley Farrar

Madison, Wis. – The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has named Laura Jackson its next music director, only the fifth in the Orchestra’s 100-year history. An internationally recognized conductor, Jackson brings acclaim for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community-focused leadership.

Forbes Magazine recently declared that “Laura Jackson is paving a new direction for up-and-coming female conductors and composers through her artistry, leadership, and creative community engagement.”

Laura Jackson made her Madison Symphony Orchestra debut as guest conductor last April.  She will next conduct the MSO as Music Director Designate in November 2026 (a program of Carlos Simon, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky) and May 2027 (featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony).   She will assume the title of Music Director full-time in the 2027-28 season with an initial contract for five years.

“We are excited to welcome Laura Jackson as the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s next music director,” Madison Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Robert Reed said. “She is among the most dynamic conductors of her generation, and we look forward to her leadership, her curation of compelling musical experiences, and her commitment to expanding MSO’s mission.  She is the ideal person to lead the MSO forward as we begin the next 100 years of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and I look forward to developing a strong partnership with her.”

Michael Richman, Chairman of the Madison Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, stated: “We are very proud to have Laura as our next Music Director and highly worthy successor to John DeMain as we begin our second century as the Madison region’s leading orchestra. From the first downbeat at the first rehearsal, the chemistry between Laura and the Orchestra was undeniable.   It bonded her to that weekend’s audiences as well.  Madison is a very special city, and we know we have found a conductor in tune with this adventurous, arts-oriented community.”

Laura Jackson commented: “During my April concerts, I felt a wonderful connection to these musicians and was astounded by their flexibility and responsiveness. What I see throughout the organization is a willingness to go the extra mile to serve and connect with the people of Madison. The Centennial Weekend Celebration was a perfect example, celebrating the orchestra’s anniversary and the brilliant legacy of John DeMain while embracing the broad spectrum of community partners. That core value is one I share.  As Music Director, I will build on that legacy, forge new partnerships and strengthen the cultural fabric that makes this such a special community.  I’m looking forward to meeting even more of Madison’s community groups when I return in November for our first preview concerts together.”

In addition to leading the MSO, Jackson will continue as Music Director of the Reno Philharmonic.  Aaron Doty, President & CEO of the Reno Philharmonic, congratulates the Madison Symphony.  “Every concert with Laura delivers artistry, creativity, and adventure. Having known the Madison Symphony firsthand as a bassist, I know the musicians and Madison community will love her as we do.”

SHORT BIOGRAPHY:  An eloquent artist on and off the podium renowned for her captivating performances and dynamic leadership, American conductor Laura Jackson is praised for her creativity, passion, and commitment to music as a source of connection and enrichment for all. A tireless advocate for excellence in performance as well as for music education, she is a true believer in the essential importance of music for the health and vitality of our communities.

A 21st-century conductor at home with repertoire from every era, Jackson is recognized for her powerful and original interpretations of Romantic masterpieces, her championing of new music, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians, composers, and conductors. A frequent guest conductor, she has led distinguished ensembles across the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Algeria, the Philippines and China, and her relationships with orchestras continue to expand.

Jackson has performed with orchestras across the United States, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia.  Other American appearances include the Buffalo, Detroit, Alabama, San Antonio, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Phoenix, North Carolina, Hawaii, New World, Sacramento, Toledo, Charlottesville, Hartford, Evansville, Berkeley, Richmond, and Flint symphonies.

International guest engagements include NOSPR-Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra; Germany’s Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie; France’s Orchestre symphonique de Bretagne-Rennes; Canada’s Ontario Philharmonic; the Toronto, Windsor, and Winnipeg symphony orchestras; the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra; and the Czech Republic’s Prague Summer Nights Festival. Jackson is the first American to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra of Algeria by invitation of the U.S. State Department.

Jackson holds a DMA and Masters in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. As an undergraduate, she studied violin and conducting at Indiana University.

(Laura Jackson’s full biography will be available on the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s website.)

Subscriptions for the upcoming 2026-27 season are on sale now and include both of Laura Jackson’s preview concerts.  Several options are available, offering savings of 10-25% off tickets purchased individually.  For more information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event details: www.madisonsymphony.org/26-27

About the Madison Symphony Orchestra
The MSO has grown to be one of America’s leading regional orchestras, providing Madison and south-central Wisconsin with cultural and educational opportunities to interact with great masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world. Learn more at www.madisonsymphony.org/26-27.

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