Wisconsin Meat & Greet: A Special Delivery For President Obama from 'Milwaukee Brat House'

Manager Andy Fronek dishes on serving the Eater in Chief a signature local sandwich... 
Andy Fronek had fifteen minutes notice from President Obama's aides on Saturday that the Eater in Chief would be sampling the wares of the Milwaukee Brat House.  The 22-year-old Fronek, a bar manager at the downtown hotspot, presented the President with a $7 hot bratwurst sandwich in a Styrofoam to-go box while standing outside on North Old World 3rd Street.  After taking a few bites, the President declared the local specialty "tasty."  (Above: The President samples the brat as Fronek looks on)

"It was a surreal experience," Fronek said.  "I was happy I showered before coming in to work today."

Milwaukee Brat House exclusively uses Usinger's sausages, and Mr. Obama, his shirtsleeve rolled up, had just emerged from Usinger's flagship store across the street, where he bought a kielbasa, an Italian sausage, and a hot sausage, accompanied by Mayor Tom Barrett.

"Before I came out here I was able to have an outstanding sampling of bratwurst from Milwaukee," the President told an excited crowd at his next stop, a campaign rally.

Fronek, who is from Madison, had no idea he'd be serving President Obama when campaign aides and Secret Service showed up at the Brat House.  The Presidential sandwich was on a pretzel roll from Milwaukee's Miller Bakery, and topped with hot brown mustard, and served with a side of potato chips, Fronek said.

The President was expecting his mid-street sandwich delivery, Fronek said; aides had organized the curbside meat n' greet.

As the President approached, "he said 'hey Andy, do you have my brat?'" Fronek related.

"He said it's a pleasure to meet you, and I said 'and you as well.'"

Milwaukee's annual Summerfest concert event attracts big names in music, and Fronek has waited on some famous musicians, he said, but all the same he was nervous about meeting the President. 

"It was definitely not your typical Saturday."

The President posed for photos with Fronek before roaring away in his motorcade at 4:00 PM.  Mr. Obama was still holding his take-out box as he climbed into The Beast, Fronek said.  Campaign  aides had placed a to-go order for seven other hot bratwurst sandwiches in addition to the President's, and agents monitored the food prep, Fronek said. 

The President held a campaign rally at Henry Maier Festival Park after his snack stop.  He'd already spoken at two fundraisers at the Milwaukee Theater, joined by Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.
 
The President's stop in Wisconsin was his ninth since taking office and his second since February.  He returned to the White House on Saturday night.

Info:  Usinger's is located at 1030 North Old World 3rd Street,  Milwaukee, WI, 53203.  Phone: 414- 276-9100. Milwaukee Brat House is located at 1013 North Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53203.  Phone: 414-273-8709.

*Top photo tweeted by David Nakamura/Washington post; second by Damon Winter/New York Times