Ba Lao (ບາລາວ, meaning “Lao Bar” in Lao), ​was established in 2026 as an intimate space for customers of Ahan and community members by co-owners and James Beard Award semi-finalists Chef Jamie Brown-Soukaseume and Chuckie Brown-Soukaseume. With a curated drink menu and thoughtfully prepared offering of snacks featuring locally procured produce and liquor, Ba Lao aims to add to the unique culture of the close-knit Willy Street/Marquette Neighbordhood community.​​

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Jamie Brown-Soukaseume, a graduate of the Madison College Culinary Arts Program, has been a professional chef in Madison, Wisconsin, since 2011. With a wealth of experience at renowned establishments such as L’Etoile, Forequarter, Estrellón, and Sujeo, Jamie gained invaluable culinary expertise over a decade before launching her own venture.

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Chuckie Brown-Soukaseume brings extensive experience from the food and beverage industry, having worked professionally in Madison since 2012. Notable among his achievements are his contributions at The Robin Room, Mint Mark, and Estrellón. In addition to his culinary pursuits, Chuckie is an active member of the vibrant Madison music scene, having played with The Earthlings for the past 11 years.​​