Bryant Johnson is a passionate chef, entertainer, manager, caterer, community leader, friend, partner, and devoted son.
With 42 years in the restaurant industry, he has honed his skills from Wisconsin to Colorado and many other states across the United States. Chef Bryant has served celebrities, VIP’s and neighbors. Settling in Okauchee, he is dedicated to enhancing his community. He hosts fundraising events, supports local first responders, is a Chamber of Commerce member, and was honored as Okauchee’s Man of the Year.
Chef Bryant’s diverse talent shines through his recipes, featuring delicious comfort food, mouth-watering pig roasts, savory soups, and exquisite fine dining dishes. His culinary journey began in the classroom and was enriched by his mentor’s advice to frequently relocate, allowing him to stay innovative and refine his skills.
You’re All Invited!
The Dousman House will be holding a fundraiser on Sunday, July 14th from 12-4 pm for our friend/hero Jon Knickelbein who was severely injured by someone who was trying to rob Bryant’s Dousman House on May 30th. He sustained some major injuries after getting hit with a machete several times. We would like to raise money for Jon and his family as he will be out of work for some time. If you or your business have any items that we can auction/raffle off, it would be greatly appreciated. Items can be dropped off at Bryant’s On The Round in Okauchee, Bryant’s Dousman House in Dousman, or they will arrange for a pick up.
They will be hosting a pig roast (pig is being donated), corn roast, and all the fixings. Stop on in, have some lunch and enjoy some live music. Have a question or a donation, please email: cateringbybryant@gmail.com.
About Bryant Johnson
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I actively contribute to every community I’ve lived in. I was honored as Person of the Year in Okauchee three years ago, helped revive the Okauchee Street Dance, and supported numerous fundraisers. I’ve been part of the Okauchee community for 14 years. During my ten-year tenure at Foolery’s, I put it on the map. In 2021, my fiancée Kimberly Stark and I opened Bryant’s On The Round. My journey in the restaurant business began at age 14, peeling potatoes and washing dishes, thanks to a family friend.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Feeding people and receiving positive feedback is what drives me and keeps me motivated in this business.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
The restaurant industry is challenging. If you’re only in it for the money, you’ll never succeed, as the pay isn’t great. You need to have a genuine passion for food to have any chance of making it.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
By prioritizing exceptional service, quality food, and a welcoming atmosphere, restaurants can ensure that their customers have a memorable and enjoyable dining experience, which is essential for long-term success and guarantees customer satisfaction.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I bought another bar in November called the Dousman House. We’ve added onto the kitchen, and we plan on serving the local community, all in a cozy setting where friends gather to cheer on their favorite teams. Join us for a delicious meal, a lively atmosphere, and good company.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Save your money by asking plenty of questions and working alongside an experienced chef who can demonstrate and teach you the ropes.
Bryant Johnson & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love?
I love Okauchee for its beauty, the friendly people, and the fantastic restaurants in the area. The community here looks out for one another and supports local businesses.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Hans Weissgerber is someone I’ve always admired and continue to look up to today. Just look at all he has accomplished in the area.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
I don’t have a favorite because I support all of them. Each place has something unique to offer.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Supportive, easy going, fun.
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Seinfeld, 80’s music, and anything by the late Anthony Bourdain.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Hans Weissgerber.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Ice cold bottle of Miller Lite.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
The late Anthony Bourdain.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Retirement.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Being on the lake.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Have a passion for what you do, strive to be the best, and find joy in the journey.
Where to Find Bryant Johnson
Email: Cateringbybryant@gmail.com
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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