Tucked under a massive elm tree on 2nd Street, Giving Tree Garage has become a go-to seasonal hangout that’s slinging drinks out of a vintage bread truck while turning a random corner lot into one of the city’s coolest summer escapes. What’s more Milwaukee than that?
We caught up with owner Nat Davauer – the mind behind Giving Tree Garage and longtime local favorite, Draft & Vessel – to talk about building a business that’s intentionally “outside the box,” Milwaukee’s evolving small business scene, the award they just won, and why sometimes all you really need is good weather, good vibes, and a cold drink under a tree.
Cheers!
How did the Giving Tree Garage get its start? What is your background?
Spontaneously! The four-car garage was perfect because we were looking for a home for the growing fleet of “tap trucks.” But the garage had an empty corner lot with a big elm tree, so why waste it? It was the perfect place to add a tiny urban beer garden to the concept. It also was a reason to get into business in Walker’s Point, which was something we wanted to do. There’d be no Pomeroy without Giving Tree Garage being there first.
How long have you been in business? Have you faced any major challenges with growing your business or any triumph stories?
This is our third year in business at GTG and the 12th year for Draft & Vessel. The main challenge with GTG is awareness that it exists and understanding what it is. We wanted to think outside the box with the idea, but it might be too far outside the box. Many people don’t’ understand it’s a bar where they can stay and drink. It’s not a bar’s patio, and it’s not a public park. It’s a mini, seasonal beer garden in an urban setting on a street that’s getting more popular all the time.
What’s the mission behind the Giving Tree Garage?
The GTG is meant to create a seasonal space to chill under a big tree on 2nd Street. Take advantage of how great Milwaukee is in the summer. Avoid sitting indoors when you don’t have to. The nearby restaurants mean it’s the perfect place to stop before or after dinner. It’s also the best stop on a Pedal Tavern trip.
Because it’s home to our tap trucks that are mostly 60’s trucks, it’s a departure from the more antique D&V vibe. It’s meant to be more of a 60’s Americana vibe. The name of course is a reference to Shel Silverstein’s famous book about a tree.
What is it like being a small business in MKE? If you’re a woman, minority, or LGBTQ+ owned business, please feel free to touch on your experiences as an entrepreneur in that space as well.
It’s rewarding to be a small business in Milwaukee. Milwaukee’s not too big that you’re lost in all the great ideas out there like Chicago, but it’s not so small that there’s not enough people to appreciate unique ideas. It’s a diverse, urban environment which wants top-tier experiences and feels like it’s growing to become more and more impressive every year.
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing?
It’s always a challenge to figure out how to do what we do, but in a new and interesting way. Problem solving as the market changes. Design challenges for the spaces we’re in. How to keep our business relevant and attractive even in the face of a changing world, city and economy. Ultimately hearing the postive feeback from our customers about what we offer and our spaces and experiences.
What can people expect when going to Giving Tree Garage?
Vibes. There’s truly nothing else like it because it’s not based on anything that exists. It’s singular. It’s not a bar, it’s not a beer garden, and it’s not a patio. It’s a corner under a big elm tree to hang out and drink from an old bread truck.
Anything else we should know about your business or anything you’d like to mention? Any favorite stories?Just yesterday we received the Mayor’s Design Award for Giving Tree Garage! Given to spaces that the Mayor recognizes as special and impactful on the city’s goal of growing the city and making it a better place to live.