Coming from a large Italian, Milwaukee-based family, it was only natural for brothers, Joe and Paul Bartolotta, to collaborate. It was in 1993 that Joe and Paul realized their dream to create signature restaurants in Milwaukee. Paying homage to their family name, Ristorante Bartolotta opened in March of 1993. Embracing the culinary concept of "cucina rustica," this restaurant offers simple, traditional Italian recipes utilizing the freshest ingredients available. Paul and Joe drew upon Paul's extensive culinary training in Italy as a basis for the menu. The restaurant was an immediate favorite, garnering four stars, and it is consistently rated the best Italian restaurant in the city. Ristorante Bartolotta also drew national attention in 2006, when it was awarded the DiRoNA Award from Distinguished Restaurants of North America.

In 1995, Bartolotta struck again by opening Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro, a large, brasserie-style restaurant, that focuses on casual, authentic French cuisine. Joe became Milwaukee's first eight-star general when Lake Park Bistro was also awarded four stars.  Through this innovative concept, Joe won his first DiRoNA award from Distinguished Restaurants of North America.

To add to its already successful portfolio of restaurants, in 1999 The Bartolotta Restaurant Group opened Mr. B's – A Bartolotta Steakhouse. This Italian-style steakhouse features large steaks, chops and seafood, roasted in the state's largest wood-burning oven. Located in Brookfield, the restaurant recently received 3 1/2 stars from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and was named one of the top restaurants on the West side and best steakhouse in the state. In 2006, Mr. B’s was also awarded the DiRoNA Award from Distinguished Restaurants of North America.

Based on the recognition and popularity of The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, Joe launched his fourth venture, The Bartolotta Catering Company at Boerner Botanical Gardens. This catering facility, located in the beautiful botanical gardens, is a perfect place for weddings, corporate functions, galas and any other special event. In 2006, Joe built upon the Bartolotta Catering brand and opened another catering operation, located at Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. This venue offers multiple event spaces, including the Pilot House, with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering 360° views of the Milwaukee skyline and Lake Michigan.  In 2008, the Bartolotta Catering Company and Events expanded to operate at the Grain Exchange Room.  This venue, located in downtown Milwaukee’s Mackie Building, showcases beautiful, “Simple Italian” architecture, soaring ceilings, hand-painted frescoes, and over 10,000 square feet of usable event space in an outstanding and historic location.

Fulfilling the desire for a restaurant located downtown, Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant, opened in March of 2004. Bacchus is a sleek and stylish space, located in the historic Cudahy Tower. With an emphasis on fresh seafood, exquisite handmade pastas, and grilled-to-perfection meats, Bacchus couples fine food and the highest service standards to ever have been incorporated in a Milwaukee restaurant. Allowing for tremendous flexibility, Bacchus is a place for the business as well as the social entertainer. Interesting and exciting event spaces are available, including a beautiful glass enclosed conservatory, outdoor patio and unique private dining rooms offering great views of Lake Michigan. This restaurant is perfect place for a power lunch, corporate or social dinners, and beautiful wedding receptions.