Danielle Belanger – Front of House Manager

Danielle is from Ashland, Wisconsin, yes, way up north. She has one younger brother, Joe, and parents (Bo & Lois) that she just couldn’t live without. She recently graduated from the University Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, concentrating in Restaurants and a minor in Property Management. She has worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry for the past 8 years, with experiences ranging from bussing tables all the way to closing up and locking the doors at the end of the night. She traveled to Spain for Food and Wine pairing classes and was also the recipient of the Students of Excellence Award this past May at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

Her story…

When I was 10 years old my dad (Bo) helped open up a Micro Brewery & Restaurant in Ashland. It was the summertime, so I spent a lot of time there. While I was there I used to watch and marvel at the bartenders while they made drinks, even the simplest of mixers. I thought to myself how cool it would be to become a bartender! My fascination of mixing drinks has grown into a very strong passion for the restaurant industry and the people in it. I love making people smile while feeding them great food and supplying excellent service. This industry is full of opportunities to make someone’s day and everyday I am glad to be a part of it!

Chef James Long – Lead Cook

James’s culinary career started as soon as he could see over a grill. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he received formal culinary training and served his country in several international locations as a cook. He moved back to Wisconsin and worked in the Lake Geneva area for eight years, including at the Grand Geneva Resort. From there, he accepted a position in Madison at the Hilton Monona Terrace.

James and his wife Kimberlee have four children, two boys and two girls, and a dachshund named Cocoa.