From intimate dinner experiences to a vibrant teaching kitchen and restaurant our journey has been incredible.
2018 Emerald (Mills) Williams created Diverse Dining, a transformational program designed to create a community of acceptance. Diverse Dining creates a space for people of different backgrounds and cultures to come together to remove barriers, engage in meaningful conversation, and foster togetherness through food, fun, and friendship.
2020 When COVID-19 hit, it put a halt on in-person events. However, the need for Diverse Dining's mission only grew. Observing the pandemic's impact on minority businesses, she launched a box featuring a self-guided version of the events and local food products through a partnership with Upstart Kitchen, Milwaukee's first incubator kitchen.
Through working with minority food entrepreneurs, she recognized the significant need for support and opportunities to increase their income.
2022 In response, Emerald and her husband Jervel Williams opened Turning Tables in the historic Turner Hall. This included a restaurant, teaching kitchen, catering services and hosting private events.
After operating our full-service restaurant and teaching kitchen for just over two years, we realized it was too costly and diverted us from our mission instead of supporting it. We have since streamlined our efforts and reimagined our model to its current format.
2024 Diverse Dining Market opened
in the Two-Fifty Building on 250 E. Wisconsin Avenue in the East Town Neighborhood of downtown Milwaukee.
Open MON-FRI 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Public food market Hosting local food entrepreneurs & chefs daily
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Diverse Dining events Public and Private Dinner Experiences & Corporate Training
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Turning Tables Catering & Teaching kitchen