Summerfest Business Alliance Member Spotlight
1.) Tell Us Your Story!
At Saz’s, we believe the better the food, the better the experience. In 1976, Milwaukee native Steve Sazama opened our flagship restaurant Saz’s State House on 55th and State Street. And while Saz’s Catering was officially born in 1990, our involvement at Summerfest runs all the way back to the early 80’s. Saz’s was the first-ever food vendor for Miller’s first stage at Summerfest, known then as the “Miller Jazz Oasis”, now the “Miller Lite Oasis.” You’ll know us by our famous BBQ Baby Back Ribs and our Festival Combo Platter, composed of hand-rolled Mozzarella Marinara, Cheese Curds, and Sour Cream & Chive Fries.
2.) What does the future hold for your organization?
At Saz's Hospitality Group, we live by one simple truth: the better the food, the better the experience. Since 1976, we've been there for the Milwaukee community, serving up festival favorites and quality experiences that bring people together.
What started as Saz's State House Restaurant has grown into something special, a family of food experiences that puts people first. Whether we're catering your wedding, serving BBQ at Summerfest, or hosting you at our South Second venue in Walker's Point, we're not just feeding you; we're creating connections. Our restaurant, catering services, festival operations, and retail BBQ products all share the same DNA: genuine hospitality. From corporate galas to backyard parties, from Summerfest to Pride Fest, we bring the same warm, welcoming spirit everywhere we go.
As summer winds down and the holiday season draws near, we extend an invitation to our partners to think of Saz’s as your go-to partner for your next holiday party. Whether you’re looking to have a customized menu catered directly at the office or at one of our exclusive venues, like the Jan Serr Studio or South Second, we ensure that every detail is taken care of so you can focus on your guests.
Through our presence at festivals like Summerfest, Bastille Days, and beyond, we're proof that great food and genuine care make everything better. As an organization, we're dedicated to giving back to the community and strive to support our local nonprofit partners, because at Saz's, hospitality isn't just what we do, it's who we are.
3.) How do you impact your community?
Saz’s has a huge heart for giving back to our community- since 1976, Saz’s Hospitality Group has provided charitable contributions to over 400 local charitable groups, along with contributions to the causes of countless other organizations, which include Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and more.
Saz’s Fish Fry at Western Lakes Golf Club and Traveling Drive-Thru programs donate a portion of our proceeds to a local partner, and we have donated $50,000 since the program’s inception in 2020.
A partnership that we are especially excited about is with the Cathedral Center. What started out as donating meals to the Cathedral Center’s cause has now turned into a current partnership with the organization to help women at the center get back on their feet by providing employment opportunities.
Saz’s senior leadership is heavily involved in the Milwaukee community and are always looking for ways to help make a difference, including sitting on boards and committees at organizations such as Sharp Literacy, ALS Foundation, Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation, Visit Milwaukee, and more.
4.) Why is it important to your organization to support Summerfest through the Summerfest Business Alliance and what are some of the unique ways in which you distribute/use your Summerfest tickets?
Being part of the Summerfest Business Alliance has allowed us to give Summerfest tickets to our staff, our clients, and to our guests through several opportunities and interactions. There’s always a smile on their face when we hand them a Summerfest ticket, and this “surprise and delight” is made possible through the Summerfest Business Alliance.