JSOnline.com reports, “Joe Bartolotta runs what is arguably Milwaukee’s most prominent restaurant group.”

“A homegrown talent and Wauwatosa East High School graduate, he learned the restaurant business in New York, returned to Milwaukee and in 1993 opened a rustic-style Italian spot, Ristorante Bartolotta. It was an immediate hit.”

“With guidance in the kitchen from younger brother, co-owner and master chef Paul, and with Joe working the front of the house, the Bartolottas were off and running. Lake Park Bistro, Mr. B’s steakhouse, Bacchus and more. By the end of 2011 the group was operating 10 restaurants, with another on its way at Mitchell International Airport, and three catering locations.”

“The places span the culinary gamut from filet mignon au poivre to pizza and burgers. Most recently opened is The Rumpus Room, a downtown gastro pub named after a tavern the Bartolottas’ father owned years ago near 29th and North, where he sang to his customers and played show tunes and opera on a top-notch stereo system.”