By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jul 14, 2023 at 3:01 PM

The latest news from 3rd Street Market Hall might be as gouda as it gets.

Tim Szuta, owner of Alphonso’s Original and Greg Kieckbusch, owner of Makk’n’Cheese, have partnered up to bring Milwaukee diners Rod & Makk, a collaborative concept which could open in the former Supernova Coffee + Doughnuts space as soon as late summer. [Supernova is officially operating inside Mid-Way Bakery next to Dairyland].

Greg Kieckbusch and Tim Szuta
Greg Kieckbusch and Tim Szuta (Photo: 3rd St. Market Hall)
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The concept, Rod & Makk, will offer up both cheesy bowls of creative mac & cheese as well as Alphonso’s famous Lightning Rod mozzarella sticks, which have garnered the attention of millions on social media.  [Read all about the viral mozzarella sticks here].

Lightning RodsX

The mozzarella sticks, which are made with Wisconsin mozzarella and breaded with Szuta’s proprietary herb mix are served up with housemade pizza sauce. A new “Hot Rod” spicy variation will also be available as an exclusive offering at the food hall.

Diners can also expect Makk’n’Cheese classics like the Makk Daddy (classic); Elote Makk (Makk secret cheese blend, corn, cilantro, tajin, cojita cheese and hot sauce) and BBQ Pulled Pork Makk (cheddar, mozzarella, pulled pork, bacon, frizzled onions and BBQ sauce), along with other creative takes on the comfort classic.

Elote Makk
Elote Makk
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Szuta and Kieckbusch, who have known one another since high school, note that they are truly excited to embark on the new partnership, which they hope will serve to bolster both of their individual brands.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.