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Danielle Baerwald, owner of Erv’s Mug in Oak Creek, has been honored as the 2025 Restaurateur of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. The Restaurateur of the Year (ROY) award is the industry’s top honor. Baerwald was announced as the winner in a surprise celebration at Erv’s Mug on August 6. The Restaurateur of the Year award is given to a restaurant operator who demonstrates participation and service to the restaurant association, success within their own restaurant and contributions to their community. The winner is selected at a private meeting of past Restaurateur of the Year recipients and is kept a secret until the official announcement. Danielle’s hospitality story began in 1979, when her father Erv Jr. and her mother Barb Kazik took a leap of faith and purchased the former Dispatch House in Oak Creek with the help of Danielle’s grandfather Erv Sr. What started as a family dream has become a beloved community institution that has touched countless lives over more than four decades. Despite her parents' best efforts to steer her toward other pursuits, Danielle grew up around the restaurant and inevitably fell in love with the business. Baerwald is a Marquette Law School graduate and accomplished estate attorney with her own practice, but her heart belongs to hospitality. Erv’s Mug restaurant isn't just a place to dine—it's a destination where seasons and history are celebrated. Known throughout the community for their spectacular Christmas decorations and creative holiday displays, Erv’s Mug has become a must-stop for families year after year. Additionally, antique memorabilia and saloon décor sprinkled throughout the restaurant, honor Milwaukee's rich heritage and traditions. The kitchen maintains the authentic tradition of scratch cooking, serving up legendary Friday night fish fries and hosting the annual Ervtoberfest. With 32 rotating craft beer lines and an impressive list of 12 side options, they've mastered the art of variety. Since taking ownership in 2004, Danielle has not only preserved the restaurant's cherished traditions but has elevated it to new heights. Today, the restaurant continues to evolve with innovative features like its blog Pints, Plates & Personalities, lively trivia nights, support for the Honor Flight Organization, and serving THC-infused beverages. Danielle's commitment to hospitality extends far beyond her own establishment. As a member of the WRA since 1983, she has served the Wisconsin Restaurant Association with distinction in every capacity: Board Director, Treasurer, Vice Chair, and 2022 Chair. Her involvement in state advocacy efforts, national advocacy initiatives, and countless WRA events demonstrates her fierce dedication to supporting restaurants and the hospitality industry in Wisconsin as a whole. What makes Danielle's story even more special is that she represents the beautiful continuity of family business excellence. As a second-generation woman business owner, she leads a restaurant that employs multiple second-generation staff members and serves multiple second-generation customers. This speaks to the deep relationships and lasting bonds that define true hospitality. The stories of Erv Sr., Erv Jr., Barb, and now Danielle—along with their extended restaurant family—are documented in their blog, ensuring that future generations will understand the care, dedication, and love that built the institution of Erv’s Mug. Baerwald has two sons: Josh Baerwald who lives in New York and Justin Baerwald who lives in California. - END - Since 1933, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association has been dedicated to the success of the foodservice and hospitality industry.
Danielle Baerwald, owner of Erv’s Mug in Oak Creek, has been honored as the 2025 Restaurateur of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. The Restaurateur of the Year (ROY) award is the industry’s top honor. Baerwald was announced as the winner in a surprise celebration at Erv’s Mug on August 6.
The Restaurateur of the Year award is given to a restaurant operator who demonstrates participation and service to the restaurant association, success within their own restaurant and contributions to their community. The winner is selected at a private meeting of past Restaurateur of the Year recipients and is kept a secret until the official announcement.
Danielle’s hospitality story began in 1979, when her father Erv Jr. and her mother Barb Kazik took a leap of faith and purchased the former Dispatch House in Oak Creek with the help of Danielle’s grandfather Erv Sr. What started as a family dream has become a beloved community institution that has touched countless lives over more than four decades.
Despite her parents' best efforts to steer her toward other pursuits, Danielle grew up around the restaurant and inevitably fell in love with the business. Baerwald is a Marquette Law School graduate and accomplished estate attorney with her own practice, but her heart belongs to hospitality.
Erv’s Mug restaurant isn't just a place to dine—it's a destination where seasons and history are celebrated. Known throughout the community for their spectacular Christmas decorations and creative holiday displays, Erv’s Mug has become a must-stop for families year after year. Additionally, antique memorabilia and saloon décor sprinkled throughout the restaurant, honor Milwaukee's rich heritage and traditions.
The kitchen maintains the authentic tradition of scratch cooking, serving up legendary Friday night fish fries and hosting the annual Ervtoberfest. With 32 rotating craft beer lines and an impressive list of 12 side options, they've mastered the art of variety.
Since taking ownership in 2004, Danielle has not only preserved the restaurant's cherished traditions but has elevated it to new heights. Today, the restaurant continues to evolve with innovative features like its blog Pints, Plates & Personalities, lively trivia nights, support for the Honor Flight Organization, and serving THC-infused beverages.
Danielle's commitment to hospitality extends far beyond her own establishment. As a member of the WRA since 1983, she has served the Wisconsin Restaurant Association with distinction in every capacity: Board Director, Treasurer, Vice Chair, and 2022 Chair. Her involvement in state advocacy efforts, national advocacy initiatives, and countless WRA events demonstrates her fierce dedication to supporting restaurants and the hospitality industry in Wisconsin as a whole.
What makes Danielle's story even more special is that she represents the beautiful continuity of family business excellence. As a second-generation woman business owner, she leads a restaurant that employs multiple second-generation staff members and serves multiple second-generation customers. This speaks to the deep relationships and lasting bonds that define true hospitality.
The stories of Erv Sr., Erv Jr., Barb, and now Danielle—along with their extended restaurant family—are documented in their blog, ensuring that future generations will understand the care, dedication, and love that built the institution of Erv’s Mug.
Baerwald has two sons: Josh Baerwald who lives in New York and Justin Baerwald who lives in California.
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Since 1933, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association has been dedicated to the success of the foodservice and hospitality industry.