Timeline
1993: Ristorante Bartolotta Opens
Joe and Paul Bartolotta open their flagship restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, in the Village of Wauwatosa, beginning the journey of The Bartolotta Restaurants. Nestled within an historic brewery building, and including the seasonal La Terrazza courtyard, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 is acclaimed for its authentic rustic Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting.
1995: BARTOLOTTA'S Lake Park Bistro Opens
Introducing award-winning French cuisine to Milwaukee, Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro is situated in a historic park pavilion setting overlooking Lake Michigan, and featuring the city’s only all-French wine list. Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro is also considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the region. This location marks the beginning of a long-term, successful partnership with Milwaukee County Parks.
1998: Nonna Bartolotta's Opens
Located in Stonewood Village, Nonna Bartolotta's opened as an Italian pasta and pizza-focused concept, but was re-concepted within a year to a steakhouse.
1999: Mr. B’s - A BARTOLOTTA Steakhouse (BROOKFIELD) Opens
Replacing Nonna’s, Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse features a wide variety of steaks cooked to perfection in a high-heat, wood-burning oven. This location would become a favorite destination in the western suburbs of Milwaukee.
1999: The BARTOLOTTA Restaurants’ Support Office established
The Support Office opens in March of 1999 to house key support functions for the various locations, including administrative, accounting, marketing, maintenance, and off-premise catering.
1999: Contracted with Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Under a management contract, The Bartolotta Restaurants takes over all food and beverage services at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, as well as developed several concepts in an effort to create an entertainment destination in Milwaukee. Concepts included a sports bar, buffet, fine dining restaurant, employee dining, and catering.
2000: Dream Dance Opens
Located today in Potawatomi Casino Hotel, Dream Dance Steakhouse is a signature steak and seafood fine dining restaurant that was originally developed and operated by The Bartolotta Restaurants under a management contract.
2001: BARTOLOTTA Catering & Events Established
The Bartolotta Restaurants formally establishes an off-premise catering company, but shortly thereafter, focuses on its strength of providing exceptional on-premise catering at exclusive locations.
2003: Pizzeria Piccola Opens
Located next to Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, this restaurant brought authentic, thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas baked to perfection in a wood-burning oven.
2004: Bacchus- A BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANT Opens
Located within a stylish, vibrant setting at the base of downtown Milwaukee’s Cudahy Tower, Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant paved the way for seasonal, contemporary American cuisine in the city, and has become a downtown destination for fine dining, private events, and special occasions.
2006: Bartolotta Catering at Discovery World opens
The Bartolotta Catering & Events becomes the exclusive on-site catering company at Discovery World, which offers stunning views of Milwaukee’s lakefront and the city’s skyline with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces anchored by first-class service and restaurant-quality cuisine.
2008: Bartolotta Catering at The Grain Exchange Opens
Bartolotta Catering & Events adds The Grain Exchange to its growing list of on-site catering locations. This location features nearly 10,000 sq. ft. of space with elegant and grandiose décor located in downtown Milwaukee’s historic Mackie Building.
2009: Northpoint Custard (Bradford Beach) Opens
Partnership established with Milwaukee County Parks to operate a lakefront burger and custard stand. Operated for 10 seasons, then shifted its presence to Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina as a lakefront amenity.
2010: Harbor House Opens
In partnership with Michael Cudahy, The Bartolotta Restaurants opens this lakeside New England-style seafood restaurant, serving the freshest seafood with unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline.
2010: Mr. B’s – A BARTOLOTTA Steakhouse — brookfield moves locations
Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse — Brookfield moves down Capitol Drive to a nearby location to an expanded space, including an outdoor patio.
2010: BARTOLOTTA’s Pizzeria Piccola at Airport Opens
Partnership with SSP America at Mitchell International Airport expands with the opening of Bartolotta's Pizzeria Piccola in Concourse C.
2011: The Rumpus Room - a Bartolotta gastropub Opens
Located on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee, The Rumpus Room combined approachable food featuring local ingredients with a solid bourbon, craft beer, and cocktail program.
Awards & Accolades: Milwaukee’s best new bar
2011: Northpoint Custard at Airport Opens
Partnership with SSP America at Mitchell International Airport expands with the opening of Northpoint Custard in the Main Terminal.
2012: Joey Gerard's - A Bartolotta Supper Club Opens in Greendale and Mequon
Joey Gerard’s put a modern spin on the classic supper club in the heart of historic Greendale and along the Milwaukee River in Mequon. The menu features comfort food and classic cocktails at their finest.
2012: The BARTOLOTTA Restaurants’ Support Office moves to McKinley Avenue
The new office opens in October of 2012, to provide additional space for growing support functions.
2014: Miss Beverly's Deluxe Barbeque opens
Miss Beverly's opened in the storefront attached to Joey Gerard’s, offering barbequed pork and ribs, beef brisket, fried chicken, and traditional sides in a fast casual setting.
2014: Downtown Kitchen Opens
This urban food hall is the go-to gathering place for breakfast, lunch, meetings, and more in the U.S. Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee; also providing executive dining.
2014: kohl's corporate dining Opens
The Bartolotta Restaurants began managing the food program at Kohl's corporate headquarters in Menomonee Falls, followed by a complete renovation and re-opening in 2016 of The Kitch, The KIC, Hub Coffee and Bar Code Coffee.
2016: Bartolotta Catering and Events at Milwaukee's Italian Community Center opens
Following a comprehensive update to the interior, Bartolotta Catering & Events takes over on-site catering at this location.
2017: joey gerard's - a bartolotta supper club in Mequon transitions to mr. b's - a bartolotta steakhouse
Joey Gerard’s – A Bartolotta Supper Club is re-concepted to become a second location of the Mr. B’s Steakhouse concept.
2018: the bartolotta restaurants celebrates 25 years with refresh of its flagship restaurant
Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 undergoes a refresh to celebrate its 25 year anniversary.
2019: Joe Bartolotta passes
Beloved brother, restaurateur, and The Bartolotta Restaurants’ co-founder passes. Paul Bartolotta assumes sole ownership of the company.
2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020: James Beard Foundation Award Nominations
2017-2019, Joe and Paul Bartolotta selected as semi-finalists for the James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Restaurateur. In 2020, Paul was selected as a finalist in this same category.
2022: Full Acquisition of Harbor House
Following the passing of Michael Cudahy, The Bartolotta Restaurants acquires full ownership of Harbor House restaurant.
2022: Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina Opens
In partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks, The Bartolotta Restaurants operates this seasonal beer garden located in the lakefront’s McKinley Marina, featuring local Wisconsin beers, tasty snacks, live music, yard games, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
2022: The Bartolotta Restaurant's support office moves to Florida Street
The new office opens partially in August of 2023, and fully in November 2023.
2024: The Commodore – A BARTOLOTTA Restaurant Opens, Delafield, WI
Following a magnificent two-year renovation in partnership with Jay Franke and David Herro, the historic property that first opened in 1902 as the Pleasant View Hotel and Resort, and was most recently the Seven Seas for nearly four decades, was transformed into The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant. Located on the shores of Nagawicka Lake and dedicated to the legacy of Lake Country, this new destination has been thoughtfully reimagined to include a remarkable suite of dining and event experiences, including a fine dining restaurant, bar, intimate private dining rooms, and expansive outdoor space for groups and gatherings, coupled with the award-winning cuisine and first-class service guests have come to know and love from The Bartolotta Restaurants.
2025: Club 1902 at The Commodore – A BARTOLOTTA Restaurant Opens, Delafield, WI
Located in the lower level of the property, this private, members-only social club provides a haven where members can relax, connect and enjoy the finest in hospitality as part of this lakeside community.