Saz’s Hospitality Group Presents Festa Sazama: 50 Years of “The Finest”

MILWAUKEE, WI – Saz’s Hospitality Group proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, honoring the legendary neighborhood anchor at 55th and State. To kick off the celebration with the community that made our milestone possible, Saz’s State House is starting the festival season early with Festa Sazama, a 4-day celebration, open to all, featuring “The Finest” of food, hospitality, and community.

Festa Sazama runs from March 26–29, offering unique daily experiences:

• Thursday, March 26: Brewers Opening Day Bash (9am – 9pm) – The ultimate tailgate experience as the Crew brings baseball back to American Family Field while featuring the season’s first corn roast, live music from First Wave and The Playlist, and round-trip shuttles to the stadium.
• Friday, March 27: Milwaukee’s Largest Fish Fry (3pm – 11pm) – An all-out tribute to a Wisconsin tradition with Miller High Life beer battered cod, dine-in or carry-out options, and performances by CP/R Trio and Rebel Grace.
• Saturday, March 28: Ribs & BBQ (11am – 11pm) – A celebration of the staple that put Saz’s on the map. Enjoy iconic baby back ribs and pulled pork, with music from Bootjack Road with Maddie Jo and 33 RPM. The Crew is back and so are shuttles to the game.
• Sunday, March 29: Bloody Mary’s & Brunch (9am – 6pm) – The grand finale featuring a heavy-hitter Bloody Mary bar and live entertainment by the 5 Card Studs. Shuttles will run for the Brewers series closer.

“Honoring fifty years of tradition, celebration, and togetherness is a milestone we couldn’t reach without our incredible community,” said Steve Sazama, Founder of Saz’s. “Festa Sazama celebrates a journey that started at 55th and State and expanded into the festivals, weddings, and special events that define Milwaukee hospitality. Whether you’re a State House regular or have joined us for a catered celebration, you are the reason we’re still here 50 years later.”

Milwaukee native Steve “Saz” Sazama opened the doors in 1976 to a historic building nestled beside the railroad tracks. With a passion for service and a legendary recipe for BBQ sauce, Saz transformed a neighborhood tavern into what is known today as Saz’s Hospitality Group.

Saz’s influence has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee culture since the early 1980s, when partnerships with Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair began. These collaborations birthed the city’s most iconic festival eats, including the Signature Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich, hand-rolled Mozzarella Marinara, and the legendary Sampler Combination Platter.

The brand expanded further in 1990 with the launch of Saz’s Catering, which serves everything from backyard graduations to high-profile events, such as the 1993 Presidential Election parties in D.C. That same year, Saz’s Original BBQ Sauce hit retail shelves, allowing fans to bring “The Finest” into their own kitchens.

Fans and longtime patrons are encouraged to visit sazs.com/50th to submit their favorite Saz’s story or memory from the last five decades. To learn more about the upcoming festival and the full schedule of events, visit sazs.com/50th.

About Saz’s Hospitality Group

Founded in 1976 with a commitment to “The Finest” food and hospitality, Saz’s Hospitality Group (SHG) has grown from a historic neighborhood tavern into a premier Milwaukee hospitality leader. Today, SHG encompasses a diverse portfolio including its flagship restaurant, Saz’s State House; a world-class Catering division; BBQ retail; and an expansive festival division that serves iconic Milwaukee events. SHG also features an exclusive collection of premier venues, including South Second and Jan Serr Studio. As SHG celebrates 50 years in 2026, the group remains dedicated to providing an unparalleled guest experience, from the summer festivals to the most elegant weddings and corporate events across Southeast Wisconsin.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.