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Fifty Years of The Finest

Saz's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Thank You  Milwaukee!
For Celebrating 50 Years and here's to 50 more!

In 1976, Saz’s State House opened in a historic building on 55th and State, fueled by a passion for fun and a knack for making people feel at home. Over the last five decades, Milwaukee has transformed that neighborhood tavern by the railroad tracks into a city-wide hospitality legacy. Built on ‘The Finest’ food and service, Saz’s stands as a testament to the fans who have cheered at the ‘Round Bar’ and made the signature Combo Platter a staple of every Milwaukee festival. From weddings to mitzvahs and every milestone in between, the community has trusted Saz’s Hospitality Group to be the backdrop of their lives. After 50 years of shared memories, Saz’s remains honored to be a part of Milwaukee’s history and looks forward to the next half-century of ‘The Finest’ service.

Join Us for Festa Sazama!

To celebrate 50 years of ‘The Finest’ and say thank you to the city that started it all, Saz’s is kicking off festival season early. From March 26–29, the community is invited to a four-day celebration that brings the energy of a Milwaukee summer to the doorstep of spring. You won’t want this celebration, 50 years in the making!

  • Brewers Opening Day Bash: The ultimate tailgate experience to welcome the return of baseball
  • Daily Food Specials and Throwback Surprises: Milwaukee’s largest Fish Fry, anyone?
  • Live Music & Entertainment: A packed lineup of local music throughout the weekend to bring the party!

Four days of food, music, and nonstop celebration

Saz's 50th Anniversary Badge

The 70's A Milwaukee Tradition is Born

  • 1976: On March 1st, Steve “Saz” Sazama opens Saz’s State House on 55th & State. The iconic “Round Bar” becomes the heart of the neighborhood.
  • Late 70s: Saz starts serving his secret BBQ sauce on ribs for Wednesday and Sunday specials. The "Ribs & Rave Reviews" era begins!
  • 1979: Despite a recession, Saz bets on his customers and expands the building, adding “The New Bar.”

The 80's Festivals & Famous Snacks

  • 1982-1984: Partnerships with Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair take root.
  • 1984 – 1994: Grand Avenue Mall - Milwaukee.
  • 1985: Saz’s becomes the first-ever food vendor for the Miller stage at Summerfest.
  • The Invention of the Rib Sandwich: Born out of a need for "walkable" festival food at Winterfest.
  • The Mozzarella Marinara Miracle: A late-night brainstorm leads to the creation of the hand-rolled, festival-favorite cheese sticks.

The 90's Taking the Show on the Road

  • 1990 - 1994: Saz’s & Pep’s Depot in Waukesha Opens.
  • 1990: Saz’s Catering is officially born to handle the flood of requests for weddings, graduations, and parties.
  • 1992: You can finally take Saz home! The Original BBQ Sauce hits grocery store shelves.
  • 1992-2025: Western Lakes Golf Club - Milwaukee.
  • 1993: Presidential Inauguration - “Reunion on the Mall” - Washington DC. Only restaurant chosen from State of WI to participate amongst 50 restaurants at a 2 day multi stage festival-over one million people in attendance.
  • 1994: Longhorn Ranch - Lake Geneva Opens.
  • 1994-2000: Caters the Greater Milwaukee Open | USBank Championship.
  • 1995: Catering grows so fast it moves into its own dedicated corporate headquarters.
  • 1995: NCSL (6,000 person National State Legislature Conference at the MKE County Zoo).
  • 1995-1999: Exclusive Caterer for Epicenter-Northpoint Conference Center - Waukesha.
  • 1997-Present: Miller High Life Pavilion - State Fair.
  • 1999-2004: Honey Creek Deli - Milwaukee.

The 2000's Packers, Patios & Fine Dining

  • 2001-2017: Exclusive Caterer for Country Inn & Suites - Port Washington.
  • 2001-2021: Exclusive Caterer for Road America VIP Towers – Elkhart Lake.
  • 2007: The State Fair location transforms into the high-energy Saz’s Leinie Lodge.
  • 2007 - present: Saz’s Hospitality Village at the Wisconsin State Fair (Exclusive Catering).
  • 2008: Hurricane Ike, Woodville, TX (Hurricane Relief Camp Catering-500 workers).
  • 2008: Saz’s heads to Lambeau and becomes the “Official Barbecue Partner of the Green Bay Packers”, operating the Tundra Tailgate Zone.
  • 2010: High-end hospitality takes center stage as Sazama’s Fine Catering begins its long-standing partnership with the Marcus Center.
  • 2010-2012: Sazama’s Lakeside Grille - Summerfest.

The 2010's - 2020's Defining the Milwaukee Venue Scene

  • 2010: Saz’s expands its presence throughout Summerfest, operating at new locations near the BMO Pavilion and the Miller Lite stage.
  • 2010: Saz’s High Life Pavilion and Saz’s BBQ get a new stage with a fresh look.
  • 2013-2021: EAA Air Venture.
  • 2015: Catering moved to its current 28,000 sq ft home in Walkers Point, tripling production capacity.
  • 2015: Saz enacts succession plan by partnering with longtime employees Curt Kluth, Casey Sazama-Schneck, and Joe Brueggemann to create a new ownership group.
  • 2016: South Second opens in Walker’s Point, turning an industrial building into a premier modern event venue.
  • 2016: Concessions at the Panther Arena open for the Milwaukee Admirals.
  • 2017: A total "glow-up" for the State House with a massive interior renovation and a brand-new outdoor patio.
  • 2018: Saz’s partners with UWM to operate the new event venue, Jan Serr Studio, offering the best panoramic views of the City and Lake Michigan.
  • 2018 - Present: Exclusive Caterer for Summerfest Corporate Areas, Year Round, Entertainers and Backstage.

The 2020's And Beyond!

  • 2020: Saz’s High Life Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair gets an updated patio and kitchen.
  • 2020: Saz’s expands to a new building on the north end of Summerfest.
  • 2021-2025: The George & Madcap Lounge-Milwaukee.
  • 2024: South Second gets a major patio upgrade, keeping the "Best of Milwaukee" vibes going strong.
  • 2024: Saz’s unveils two new concessionaires at Summerfest: Wokkin’ Roll and Beats-N-Eats.
  • 2024: Saz’s longtime employee and Catering Director, Matt Hawkins, joins the ownership group.
  • 2024: Saz's caterers the Welcome RNC Host Party at the Summerfest Grounds.
  • 2025: The NFL Draft heads to Lambeau, and Saz's Hospitality Group is selected to cater for all staff and volunteers.
  • 2025: Saz’s State House gets a new sign after 49 years!
  • 2026: Saz’s event venue, South Second, receives an upgraded look and design.

2026 The Big 5-0!

Celebrating 50 years of ribs, relationships, and "The Finest" hospitality. Here’s to the next 50!

Share Your Favorite Saz’s Story

A Decade-Long Summerfest Tradition
“Millie’s first Saz’s experience at Summerfest turned into a tradition that’s lasted over ten years. From enjoying sour cream and chive fries by the lake to sharing a bite (unintentionally) with a groundhog, Saz’s became part of her personal Milwaukee ritual. It’s more than food—it’s nostalgia, place, and story.”
- Millie
From First Job to Lifelong Favorite
“Bridget grew up loving Saz’s at Milwaukee’s biggest festivals, and it later became the site of her very first job. Working there shaped her work ethic, introduced her to great people, and created lasting memories. Today, Saz’s remains her go-to fair food, especially the pulled pork and signature fries.”
- Bridget
The Smart, Easy Way to Game Day
“Olivia’s memories of Saz’s are rooted in family traditions—shuttling to Brewers games with her dad, enjoying great food, and skipping the hassle of stadium concessions. The convenience, speed, and value left a lasting impression. Now, she continues the tradition by choosing the Saz’s shuttle for game days.”
- Olivia
Irish Coffees & Becoming Family
“I appreciated all the late-night Irish Coffees we enjoyed during our early dating years! Amazing that we became neighbors and 'family'!”
- Meg and Jim
Brewer Games & Bar Dice
“Brewer games and shaking bar dice with Saz, Lance Romance, and Homer on Friday afternoons!”
- Ace
From Shy Busboy to Family
“50 years, wow— I started just under 12 years ago as a shy busboy and blossomed into the young man I am today, thanks to my amazing family at Saz's.”
- Nick
Part of the Original Summer Crew
“I was part of the initial summer employee group hired when he opened the Summerfest and State Fair locations.”
- Pat
A Summerfest Whoopsie
“Passing out on top of cases of marinara sauce behind Saz's at Summerfest, and Saz finding me there. Whoopsie!”
- Denise
A Milwaukee Icon
“Saz's is such an important icon to Milwaukee, our Festivals, the Restaurant Industry, and to the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Congratulations on 50 years of amazing hospitality!!”
- Kristine
Fish Fry & Hand-Rolled Memories
“I remember when I was a child, frequently going to Saz's for a fish fry. I also remember hand-rolling mozzarella sticks back in the day.”
- Vicki
Generous, Kind & Community-Driven
“There has never been a more generous and kind man to his family, friends, and the community. Wishing you another 50 years!!”
- Brad & Kathy
First Date, First Kiss, 45 Years
“My wife and I had our 1st date at Saz's. Our 1st kiss was on the front porch. We've been married for over 45 years. Now, Saz is a dear friend, THE FINEST! We love you, Steve!”
- Mark

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    STATE HOUSE RESTAURANT
    A Milwaukee staple since 1976, join us at the famous Round Bar
    DINE WITH US
    CATERING
    Simplify your next event with "The Finest" food and service
    HAVE US CATER YOUR EVENT
    EXPLORE OUR VENUES
    Meetings, weddings, galas, luncheons & more; we have a venue for you!
    FIND YOUR PERFECT VENUE
    Sazs Hospitality Group logo
    “The Finest” since 1976
    Catering

    201 W. Walker Street
    Milwaukee, WI. 53204

    414.256.8765

    Restaurant

    5539 W. State Street
    Milwaukee, WI. 53208

    414.453.2410

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