We are honored to share an interview of Joe (Joseph) Bahr, an inspiring individual from our community who made his dreams a realty, and now serves our community in creative ways!
Joe Bahr and his wife Penny own Brick House Mercantile and Artisan Kitchen in Dousman, Wisconsin. Joe has lived in Oconomowoc for 23 years (the last 12 with his wife Penny), and together they have spent years restoring their historic home, which was built in 1848. He has two sons, a stepson and the sweetest cat – Milky Way. Joe left a corporate career of 34 years at Quad Graphics in December of 2020 to start Brick House Mercantile with Penny.
Joe is an artist by training and also owned a painting company for many years. However, Joe spends most of his time these days in the Mercantile baking and preserving. He has always enjoyed both hobbies. He also enjoys music, traveling and eating great food! We hope you love reading about Joe, and learning more about what he is up to in our community!
About Joe Bahr
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Penny works in health care administration and in her free time, does all of our marketing and helps with the business. I have two grown sons – Chef Jeremy joined us in the Summer of 2020 after leaving the Wickman House in Ellison Bay, and my other son works for the railroad. My step-son, Isaac, also works for us doing Farmers Markets and he is going to UW Madison this fall.
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?
Penny and I have always thought about owning a small business of some kind, and about 5 years before we opened Brick House Mercantile we picked the name and grabbed the domain. As a family, living a simple life, growing and preserving our own food as much as possible, and cooking from scratch, has always been important to us – and we love preparing food for family and friends.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Our customers are what we love most – and the farms and orchards we work with. Sharing the love of eating real food – with a field to fork philosophy – is rewarding. None of what we do is possible without the great customers we have and the relationships with farms and orchards to source high quality ingredients.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Challenges come and go in life – but I don’t dwell on them. Having open heart surgery in my mid 40’s shaped my perspective that living every day to the fullest is important.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Building community has been very rewarding. The Mercantile is a special place. We watch friendships form around our tables – initiated by the love of food – and often the shared conversation results in bonds beyond our building. It’s awesome to be part of that.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
Brick House Mercantile and Artisan Kitchen is known for spontaneity. Our seasonal menu approach means things are always changing. Jeremy is a culinary artist, and is always coming up with new, exciting, differentiating flavors and pairings.
We are in the process of updating our website and will be offering more Artisan Kitchen dinners and events in the fall and winter.
Our culinary immersion travel program is another thing we hope to grow; we set off on our first trip to France with 13 guests in October. It will be an 8 day, 7 night trip full of experiences for the guests. The itinerary is impressive, and we are excited to offer this to the community.
We are also adding a “new” element to our business over the winter.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Small business is not easy. If you love what your doing – it doesn’t feel like work often – but small business also means you wear many hats, and the work only gets done if you are doing it! The key is do what you love and love what you do!
Joe Bahr & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
There are so many great things about the Lake Country! We love the hiking, biking and walking opportunities – and definitely the number of lakes and rivers to choose from! Lake Country is full of shopping and dining and history and is fun for all ages!
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Our customers inspire us daily. Every single person is interesting.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
We have so many favorites, its hard to pick just one. We are fortunate in the Lake Country to have many choices for all of these!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Always moving forward.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I dreamt of being a Muralist when I grew up and after painting one in Waukesha right after high school – I had already realized my dream.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Aunt Trudy inspired me as a child and teenager, and I have carried it with me for decades – even after she is gone.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
A Bourbon Manhattan or a Great Rum Drink. Sophisticated – yet sweet and straightforward.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My wife. I love having lunch with her and with our crazy schedules, it doesn’t happen enough.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Going to Europe. I have always been fascinated with French cuisine and culture and we have the honor of going this fall – I’m looking forward to it.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
I am happiest when I am home. It is comforting.
Where to Find Joe Bahr
Email: joe@brickhousemercantile.com
Phone: (262) 965-0024
