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Forage Kitchen license recorded for new East Washington Avenue location

Forage Kitchen license recorded for new East Washington Avenue location

Built World Madison, WI local

Sixth Madison-area location moves closer to opening in The Eastern complex

Today: License recorded for East Washington Avenue location

Overview

Updated 50 minutes ago

Forage Kitchen, the Madison-based salad and grain bowl chain, has taken a step toward opening its sixth location in the city. A license from Public Health Madison & Dane County is now on record for the address at 1868 E. Washington Ave.

The restaurant is planned to anchor The Eastern apartment complex, with construction starting in September and an early 2027 opening target. The new spot would put the chain in one of Madison's fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Why it matters

For East Washington Avenue residents, this means a new fast-casual dining option within walking distance, and for Forage Kitchen, a bet on the neighborhood's growth.

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Key Indicators

5
Current Madison-area locations
Forage Kitchen operates five locations; this would be the sixth.

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

January 2015 September 2026

2 events Latest: Today
  1. License recorded for East Washington Avenue location

    Today Regulatory

    Public Health Madison & Dane County lists a restaurant license for 1868 E. Washington Ave, a step toward opening.

  2. Forage Kitchen founded on State Street

    Milestone

    Henry Aschauer opens the first Forage Kitchen in Madison, starting the chain.

Scenarios

1

Forage Kitchen opens East Washington location by March 2027

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: Local business press and company statements

Construction proceeds as planned, the restaurant passes final inspections, and Forage Kitchen opens its sixth location in early 2027, serving the East Washington Avenue corridor.

2

Opening delayed beyond early 2027

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Construction timelines and permitting processes

Construction or permitting delays push the opening to later in 2027 or beyond. The license remains valid, but the restaurant does not open as initially targeted.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2015

Forage Kitchen's first location (2015)

Henry Aschauer opened the first Forage Kitchen on State Street in Madison, offering salads and grain bowls with locally sourced ingredients.

Then

The restaurant gained a following and expanded to multiple locations over the next decade.

Now

Forage Kitchen became a recognizable local brand, now planning its sixth location.

Why this matters now

This new opening continues the chain's growth pattern, showing how a small local business scales within a city.

2010s–2020s

East Washington Avenue redevelopment (2010s–2020s)

The East Washington Avenue corridor in Madison has transformed from a mix of industrial and low-density uses into a denser residential and commercial area, with new apartment complexes like The Eastern.

Then

New housing and retail have attracted residents and businesses to the area.

Now

The corridor has become one of Madison's fastest-growing neighborhoods, drawing food and service businesses.

Why this matters now

Forage Kitchen's decision to anchor The Eastern reflects the neighborhood's rising foot traffic and residential density.

Sources

(3)

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