The Bartolotta Restaurants Announces Three Executive Chef Promotions

MILWAUKEE – The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant and catering organization in the Greater Milwaukee region, is proud to announce the promotion of three longtime chefs and leaders in the culinary community – Chef Brent Davis, Chef Luis Rios Ramos, and Chef Brian Potter. Chef Davis, who had been serving as Chef de Cuisine of Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant, has been elevated to Executive Chef; Chef Ramos, previously Chef de Cuisine at Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse – Brookfield, has been elevated to Executive Chef; and Chef Potter, previously Executive Sous Chef for the Italian Community Center, has also been elevated to Executive Chef.

“At The Bartolotta Restaurants, we take great pride in cultivating the exceptional talent that exists amongst our team,” said Chef Paul Bartolotta, Owner, and Co-Founder of The Bartolotta Restaurants. “Brent, Luis, and Brian exemplify the dedication, creativity, and excellence that define who we are. These promotions are a testament to their hard work, and also to the strength of the mentorship culture that has been a cornerstone of our company since the beginning. We believe that great restaurants are built on relationships — chefs mentoring chefs, leaders guiding future leaders — and it is through that continuous cycle of learning and teaching that our team thrives.

“Investing in our people, sharing knowledge, and career pathing from within ensures that the values and standards that make The Bartolotta Restaurants so special are carried forward by the next generation of culinary talent.”

Chef Davis started working in restaurants at the age of 16 in the Fox Valley region of Wisconsin. He spent years honing his craft in restaurants from Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Kohler. Having joined The Bartolotta Restaurants in 2022 as Chef de Cuisine at Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant, Chef Davis worked under the mentorship of Chef Nick Wirth, who served as the Executive Chef at Bacchus since 2014. “It’s an honor to continue my journey with The Bartolotta Restaurants and to lead the outstanding team at Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant,” said Chef Davis. “From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed as part of the Bartolotta family. I am proud to carry that spirit forward as we serve the Milwaukee community with passion, creativity, and the signature Bartolotta hospitality.”

Chef Ramos joined The Bartolotta Restaurants as Executive Sous Chef of Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse – Brookfield in 2024, following more than a decade of experience in the Greater Milwaukee region. Working under the mentorship of The Bartolotta Restaurants leadership including Chef Paul Bartolotta, Chef Aaron Bickham, and Chef Amanda Langer, Chef Ramos was elevated to Executive Chef within a year. “Being part of Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse – Brookfield and The Bartolotta Restaurants has challenged and inspired me to grow both as a chef and as a leader,” said Chef Ramos. “I’m honored to step into this new role and continue building on our tradition of excellence, while mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.”

Chef Potter first joined The Bartolotta Restaurants in 1995 and went on to explore positions at other prestigious venues throughout Milwaukee. He returned to The Bartolotta Restaurants and worked several back of house positions before being elevated to Executive Sous Chef at The Italian Community Center in 2024. Chef Potter worked under the mentorship of Chef Paul Bartolotta and Chef Aaron Bickham, honing his leadership skills that led to his promotion as Executive Chef. “The Bartolotta Restaurants has played a meaningful role in my culinary journey,” said Chef Potter. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue growing here. Milwaukee is home, and I look forward to creating more memorable moments at the helm of The Italian Community Center.”

Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant is open Mondays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can make reservations online.

Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse in Brookfield is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Happy Hour is available Sunday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can make reservations online.

The Italian Community Center is available for event bookings of all sizes with customizable spaces from the Grand Ballroom to private conference rooms. Guests can request information online.

More information about The Bartolotta Restaurants can be found at bartolottas.com.

About The Bartolotta Restaurants

The Bartolotta Restaurants is a nationally recognized restaurant and catering organization co-founded by Chef Paul Bartolotta and his late brother, Joe Bartolotta. Chef Paul Bartolotta is a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef in two separate regions, Midwest and Southwest, winning in both 1994 and 2009. In addition, Chef Paul Bartolotta has six James Beard Award nominations including Best Chef Midwest in 1993, Best New Restaurant in Las Vegas in 2005, Outstanding Restaurateur USA alongside his brother in 2017, 2018, 2019, and a finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur USA in 2020. Since the opening of its flagship restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, The Bartolotta Restaurants group has grown to become the premier culinary brand in the Greater Milwaukee region, offering first class service and cuisine across a portfolio of 18 one-of-a-kind restaurants and catering facilities, including fine dining, upscale casual, food halls, executive dining, quick-casual, and airport concepts. More information can be found at bartolottas.com.

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.