Meet The Grasses
Our story begins with the Grasse family planting their Door County roots over one hundred years ago. Chef/Owner Jimmy Grasse began his culinary adventure growing up on the dairy farm his grandparents settled in Ellison Bay. There he learned to appreciate fresh, homemade food that was grown, raised, and cooked by his Mom and Dad. As a teen, he washed dishes at Hotel du Nord, and when someone didn't show up to cook one night, he was pulled onto the line and has enjoyed the fast pace of the kitchen ever since. He went on to earn a degree in Culinary Arts in Madison, and over the years has worked at some of the finest Door County and Madison restaurants. Chef Jimmy and his cousin Maria are on the line every day that we're open; which means you'll get a meal prepared with love by the Grasse family every single time you dine with us!
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Jessica, Jimmy's wife, waited tables at various Door County and Madison restaurants while attending UW Madison's Nursing School, and her main focus is managing the front of the house. She also manages the office and has been filling in on the line when needed too! She grew up visiting Door County, and loves sharing her favorite hiking spots and enthusiasm for the peninsula with visitors. Their kids James and Charlotte work alongside their parents in between busy school schedules, along with nieces and cousins-there's always Grasses around!
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After searching several years for the perfect spot to open their own restaurant, the Grasses fell in love with a historic building in downtown Sister Bay. The building that was known as the Kramer-Grasse Dairy in the 1930s was available and they knew that this was going to be their new home. Here they continue the tradition of thoughtful food preparation, community-mindedness, and love for Door County. They strive to give back both locally and globally by supporting local non-profits and incorporating business practices that lessen their environmental impact.
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