Sweet Basil MKE

03/13/2026

We will be celebrating Chef Vanna’s (aka Mom’s) birthday and have made the decision to close on Saturday, 03.14.2026 to give her a day off.

If it were up to her, she would work on her birthday but we (her kids) have made the executive decision to convince her to rest and relax on her special day! 🥳

Please help us put her mind at ease lol 🧡💚

11/14/2025

Sweet Basil MKE won the 2025 Business of the Year award by HWCC. 🥇

We brought the award back to the restaurant, then made sure each and every family member and employee got to hold the award. The weight of all their hard work is appreciated. Their daily contributions to the business and community is why we can operate with excellence. 🙌🏼

08/05/2025

✈️🍣 Sweet Basil is off to Japan! 🍜🎌

SB FAM, we have some exciting news. The siblings behind Sweet Basil, and our significant others, are heading out on a two-week family trip… to JAPAN!

As you know, we usually send Mom and Dad on vacation or save up for a staff retreat! But this time they encouraged us to take an epic trip instead. 😭 This is a rare chance for us to explore, try new foods, and spend some quality time together (with the focus less on being coworkers and more on being actual siblings again).

We can’t thank you enough for making this possible. Your support has truly changed our family’s lives and because of you, we get to take this once-in-a-lifetime trip. We’ll be coming back refreshed, inspired… and maybe with a few new menu ideas 👀

We’ll be back & reopen in two weeks on THURSDAY, 8/21. Can’t wait to see you then!

05/01/2025

Read about our family’s lessons in owning a restaurant and why Chef Vanna loves cooking for the community.

Thank you OnMilwaukee and Lori Fredrich for featuring mom in their latest Women In Food series. It always makes us proud to tell our family’s story!

Praseutsack reflects on her lifelong passion for cooking, the blessings of family and the joy of owning her own restaurant.

10/09/2024

We’re Closed Today and Tomorrow —

The highs are HIGH and the lows are LOW.

After an amazing time at Battle of the Chefs, Mom (Chef Vanna) woke up with extreme pain and had to go to the ER.

We won't go into details but our parents have been dealing with a lot in their health.

Doctor said she cannot work for a couple days so that means we will be closed until she's cleared.

We hope to open Friday/Saturday but will keep you updated, they’re going to monitor her progress and decide if surgery is necessary. We're really sorry.

10/08/2024

We want to congratulate the fellow winners:
💚 Canni-MKE
🧡 Everyone's Ice Cream
💚 Anomaly Catering
🧡 SOS Treat Stop
💚 Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen

And shine the spotlight on everyone who competed, all chefs and their teams brought their A-game!! We got to try it all, everything was so good. Please like, follow and go order food from all of these local businesses🔥

🧡 Midwest Sad
💚 Plant Joy Milwaukee
🧡 Vegan Soul
💚 Edith Cocktail Bar
🧡 Twisted Path Distillery
💚 Mezcla Fusion Revolution

SB Fam, please especially show some love to Anomaly Catering. We know whenever our family is going through the worst of times, you all have been there to motivate us, show up for us and provide words of encouragement. We met some of their family during the event, they are so kind and generous. They've just experienced two tragic incidents in a row and could use some community support. More details on their page. Love you all!

10/07/2024

SB FAM! We can’t wait to tell you what happened yesterday!!

Mom (Chef Vanna) participated in this year’s Battle of the Chefs event, entering her ✨Panang Curry with Chicken✨

We were so nervous to see if it would be well-received or not, but we put our best foot forward and agreed to just have fun.
IT WAS A HIT AND SHE WON 2 AWARDS!!

🏆 Crowd Favorite Best Flavor, entree category
&
🏆 Judge’s Choice Best Flavor, entree category

We made friendships and enjoyed great company. To all our new friends, welcome to the SB FAM: the best and most wholesome community, both online and at Sweet Basil (and we love you guys!!!)

More importantly, Chef Vanna has been through a lot and to see her being recognized for all the sacrifices she’s made is something truly special. Congrats, mom!

05/30/2024

Chef Vanna was featured in Visit Milwaukee’s Milwaukee Cookbook. 👏🏼

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Congrats on the recognition, mom. For all your hard work and everything you’ve gone through.

03/15/2024

Today is Chef Vanna’s birthday 🥳

Sweet Basil started as Mom’s dream. We saw her working multiple jobs to provide for our family and she wasn’t happy. We asked Mom what she wanted to do, where her passions were. She told us she would love to own a restaurant one day.

We (her kids) took on multiple jobs working at McDonald’s, the kiosk at the mall, doing side gigs. We saved, we made it happen and even overcame a pandemic. Over the years, our parents have given their all into the restaurant and for our customers. Much of Sweet Basil’s authenticity and success comes from their dedication and love that they put into the kitchen. Without her this dream wouldn’t exist.

She deserves the world (and all the vacations)! We were trying to convince her to take a trip for her birthday but she chose to be at SB today because she loves you all so much! Happy birthday, Chef Vanna! 💛🫶🏼

12/25/2023

🎄 Dear SB Fam,

As the year comes to a close, our family wants to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support. 🙏 Your friendship and patronage this year have made all the heartaches, headaches and stress of owning a small business worth it!

Here's to more family dinners, date nights, special occasions and takeout meals together; sprinkled with laughter, joy, and a dash of our secret ingredient - love.

Happy Holidays!
The Sweet Basil Family & Staff 🍜

12/22/2023

👋🏼 MEET THE FAMILY: JOSIE

Josie is part of our Customer Care Team (front of house) and you’ll always find her ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. An absolute sweetheart, she’ll do her best to make you smile. She really likes anime, ask her for some recommendations! She’s also in love with K-pop especially the choreography. Josie kicked COVID's butt recently so if you see her at SB this week, give her and the team some motivation! Be kind and patient, she’ll appreciate it!

Favorite SB Dish: Jeow B**g Noodles with Tofu

📸: Lindsay Stayton Photography

www.sweetbasilmke.com