Est. 1989
(715) 228-2500
The Johann's Origin Story
33 Years of Johann's
Est. 1989
Steven Johannes "Johann" originally started Johann's in Beaver Dam WI as a small corner bar in 1989. As his life evolved and he started a family, he wished to move closer to his hometown of Wautoma and opened a second Johann's in the small town of Richford in 1989. He attempted to manage both locations, but eventually sold the Beaver Dam location, and expanded the Richford location to include a kitchen and leather goods.
Johann becomes "Son Daddy Hog"
Johann's did well in Richford through the early 90's. It was the origin place of the "poker run and pig roast" where many bikers gathered for a weekend festival, where they traveled across the state to 5 locations to fundraise for the Children's Hospital and Cancer Research. The Run would begin and end at Johann's, and once they returned, a large feast of roasted pig awaited them! (One year we had 3 whole pigs!) There was live music, multiple vendors selling goods, and motorcycles and tents as far as the eye could see. Johann himself became known as "Son Daddy Hog" for all the Harley's and the pig roasts, which is why the Hog is the logo for the business.
A New bar and Ho-made Pizza!
By the mid-late 90's Steve and his wife Patricia now had 3 sons, Tristan, Nick, and Scott, and the business was doing very well. However, the old blacksmith's building the bar was in was in rough shape. So in 1996 the Johann's that exists today was built right next to the old one, and the old one was torn down. The kitchen was greatly expanded, and the late 90's and early 2000's was very prosperous for Johann's and the family. The Famous Ho-Made Pizza was born, and the delivery services soon followed!
The Mecan River Inn
In 2003, the property across the street was purchased. The family built the Mecan River Inn to offer the nearby Operating engineer school students a place to stay. It would also make Johann's more of a destination for people who would come from all over the Midwest for our legendary Poker Runs and pool tournaments.
It's also a destination for sportsmen looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Many hunters stay to hunt the nearby public lands. Kayakers and fisherman come for the Mecan River, a Class A trout stream, only 100 yards away. The ATV and Snowmobile trails also go right past the property,
Many stay with us to utilize Richford's large Community Hall and Caribou Bay venue, which offer a great place for country style wedding parties, reunions, and much more!
The Legacy Continues...
Johann's and the Mecan River Inn continue to offer a unique "slice of the country life" experience for all to enjoy. Johann's is now the most established Bar & Grill in the area.
The legacy of Johann's lives on to this day and is proud to have served many people with fond memories of fun times, good music, and great food. We look forward to making those memories with you too! At Johann's, everyone is part of the family.
We hope you enjoyed our story, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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