The 7 Secrets Behind Food Fight Restaurant Group's 30-Year Domination Of The Wisconsin Dining Scene (and Their New 2025 Opening)

The Food Fight Restaurant Group, a name synonymous with the diverse and dynamic culinary landscape of Madison, Wisconsin, is not just a collection of eateries; it is a three-decade-long masterclass in independent restaurant longevity and strategic growth. As of late 2025, the group continues its rapid expansion trajectory, now operating a family of nearly 20 unique concepts across Madison, Middleton, and Milwaukee, solidifying its status as the region's largest independent restaurant collective. This comprehensive look dives into the group’s foundational philosophy, explores its vast portfolio of iconic dining destinations, and reveals the latest news—including a highly anticipated new opening set to debut early in the new year.

Founded on a principle of diversity and community engagement, Food Fight Inc. has successfully navigated the challenging restaurant industry by offering everything from retro comfort food to upscale Italian and modern steakhouses. Their approach has not only defined the local gastronomy but also set a high bar for innovation and collaboration in the Badger State. The group’s continued relevance and growth, even through recent turbulent times, underscore its operational excellence and commitment to the evolving tastes of Wisconsin diners.

Founders and Key Leadership: The Architects of Food Fight Inc.

The Food Fight Restaurant Group’s enduring success is built on the vision of its co-founders and a strong, dedicated leadership team that manages its eclectic portfolio of concepts. The group’s structure emphasizes local ownership and a hands-on approach to hospitality, which has fostered a strong sense of community around its brands.

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Founders' Biography and Profile

• Monty Schiro (Co-Founder): A veteran restaurateur who first made his mark with the original concept, Monty's Blue Plate Diner. Schiro is credited with the creative vision that launched the group in 1994.
• Peder Moren (Co-Founder): A local real estate investor who combined his business acumen with Schiro’s creative direction to form the operational and financial backbone of the burgeoning restaurant group.

Key Operational Leadership

The day-to-day operations and strategic expansion are managed by a seasoned executive team, ensuring consistency and quality across all units.

• Kevin Henry: Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Henry plays a crucial role in the group’s strategic direction and management of its growing number of locations.
• Tom Ray: A key member of the leadership team, focused on operational excellence.
• Ben Brady: Involved in the management and strategic planning of the diverse restaurant portfolio.
• Caitlin Suemnicht: Part of the core team driving the group's hospitality standards.

The Food Fight Empire: A Complete List of Concepts and Entities (2025)

The Food Fight Restaurant Group’s primary strategy is topical authority through sheer diversity. By avoiding a single, repetitive brand, the group has captured market share across every major dining category, from casual brunch to high-end steakhouse fare. Their portfolio currently includes nearly 20 active concepts, two bakeries, and extensive catering operations.

The Core Restaurant Entities (A Selection of 17+ Concepts)

This list highlights the breadth of the group’s influence, showcasing the variety of dining experiences offered across Madison, Middleton, and Milwaukee.

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• Monty's Blue Plate Diner: The original, iconic diner concept that started it all in 1994, known for its retro atmosphere and comfort food.
• Fresco: An elegant, rooftop dining experience located atop the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), offering upscale cuisine and panoramic views.
• Johnny Delmonico's Steakhouse: A premier, full-service steakhouse providing a classic, high-end dining experience.
• Il Cervo: The group's significant 2023 expansion into Milwaukee, located in the Deer District, focusing on upscale Italian cuisine.
• Bar Corallini: An Italian concept celebrated for its Neapolitan pizza, fresh mozzarella, and classic Italian dishes, whose chef, Gio, has received recent accolades.
• Bassett Street Brunch Club: A quintessential Madison spot known for its extensive brunch menu and late-night eats.
• Firefly: One of the long-standing concepts that contributes to the group's diverse offerings.
• Centraal Grand Café & Tappery: A concept inspired by European grand cafés, offering a wide selection of beers and diverse menu items.
• Cento: An upscale Italian restaurant known for its refined pasta dishes and contemporary setting.
• Tex Tubb's Taco Palace: A casual, popular spot for tacos, burritos, and Tex-Mex favorites.
• DLUX: A modern, chic concept specializing in burgers, shakes, and craft cocktails.
• Bluephies Restaurant & Events: A long-time Madison favorite known for its eclectic menu and event space.
• Marigold Kitchen: A popular downtown spot for breakfast, lunch, and baked goods.

Beyond the Restaurants: Expanding the Ecosystem

The group’s influence extends beyond sit-down dining, encompassing several other key entities that support their operations and community engagement:

• Food Fight Catering: A full-service catering operation providing food and beverage services for events across the region.
• Food Fight Bakeries: The group operates two distinct bakery concepts, ensuring a supply of fresh bread and pastries for many of its restaurants.
• Community Initiatives: Their annual "Food Fight Against Hunger" initiative is a major community event, showcasing their commitment to local causes.

Latest Developments and Strategic Outlook for 2025

The Food Fight Restaurant Group is showing no signs of slowing down, with strategic moves aimed at maintaining market freshness and capitalizing on prime real estate opportunities. Their ability to constantly evolve their concepts and operations is a core reason for their three-decade-long dominance.

The Highly Anticipated New Concept Opening

The most concrete and exciting news for 2025 is the planned opening of a brand-new, yet-to-be-named restaurant concept. This new venue is strategically located across from the Overture Center for Performing Arts in downtown Madison, a high-traffic cultural hub.

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• Location: Directly across from the Overture Center for Performing Arts, a prime spot for pre- and post-show dining.
• Anticipated Launch: An April 2025 opening is currently planned, indicating a strong start to the group’s 31st year of operation.
• Strategic Intent: This new addition will further diversify the group's offerings, likely targeting a theater-going clientele with an elegant or quick-service upscale concept.

Operational Excellence and Tech Integration

To support their rapid growth—expanding from 16 to 20 locations in recent years—Food Fight has invested heavily in operational technology. They have adopted advanced restaurant management software to streamline back-of-house operations, allowing the leadership team to refocus time on hospitality and guest experience rather than administrative tasks. This emphasis on efficiency is a key factor in their ability to manage such a large and diverse portfolio.

The 30th Anniversary Milestone

Having been founded in 1994, the group is celebrating its 30th anniversary, a monumental achievement in the volatile restaurant industry. This milestone is a testament to their founding philosophy of offering diverse dining experiences that continuously adapt to the evolving tastes of the community.

The Food Fight Restaurant Group’s enduring legacy is rooted in its commitment to local sourcing, unique concepts, and community involvement. Their strategic expansion into Milwaukee with Il Cervo and the upcoming 2025 opening near the Overture Center demonstrate a forward-looking strategy that promises to keep them at the forefront of the Wisconsin dining scene for years to come. By consistently blending creative vision with operational rigor, Food Fight Inc. continues its reign as a true powerhouse of independent hospitality.