From one Racine family-oriented company to generations of restaurants, guests and memories across Southeast Wisconsin. Here’s to Joe DeRosa and the legacy that started in 1972.
Joseph DeRosa is the President of DeRosa Corporation, Southeast Wisconsin's Most Likable Restaurants. Born in Chicago, he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from Roosevelt University and graduated from Harvard Business School's O.P.M. program in 1986.
Joe founded the Racine family-oriented company in 1972 at age 24. Over the decades, DeRosa Corporation grew to include Chancery Restaurants, Smitch Brothers and Brewery, Eddie Martini's, Jose's Blue Sombrero, Seven Sisters Café, Café West and ParkSide 23.
The company became known for feeding more than four generations of Wisconsin families while building restaurant concepts around people, place and product.
“If they're making money doing this, I can make a living. It didn't look complicated – just do basic things right.”
Joe DeRosa, after seven months managing at Ground Round in Chicago
PEOPLE • PLACE • PRODUCT
A Legacy Of Restaurant Innovation
DeRosa Corporation was among the first to bring the casual dining restaurant concept to Wisconsin, with a playful refuse-to-grow-up approach across its brands, menus and amenities.
Casual Dining Pioneer
DeRosa helped establish casual dining in Wisconsin and developed restaurants around a distinctive mix of personality, atmosphere and service.
Playful Brand Ideas
The company was among the first to feature touches such as peanuts on the floor, popcorn on the table and its own craft brewery.
Five Locations Today
The source celebration page says DeRosa Corporation currently operates five restaurant locations in Southeast Wisconsin.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
A Timeline Of Big Moments
Key moments from the story shared on the current DeRosa celebration page.
1972
DeRosa Corporation Begins
At age 24, Joe DeRosa founded the Racine family-oriented company.
1986
Harvard O.P.M.
Joe graduated from Harvard Business School's Owner/President/Management program.
1997–2004
Leadership Recognition
A series of industry honors recognized Joe and DeRosa Corporation for restaurant leadership and service.
2013–2016
Jose's Voted Best Mexican
The Journal Times readers in Racine voted Jose's Blue Sombrero Best Mexican Restaurant for four consecutive years.
AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Recognition Across The Restaurant Industry
The celebration page highlights awards earned by Joe DeRosa, DeRosa Corporation and its restaurant brands.
1997
Foodservice Leader of the Year
DeRosa Corporation received the award from the Boelter Companies.
1999
Meritorious Service Award
Joe DeRosa received the Meritorious Service Award.
2002
Wisconsin Restaurateur of the Year
Joe was named by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
2003
National DiRona Award
Eddie Martini’s was selected as the winner.
2004
Good Neighbor Award Finalist
Joe was selected by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association as a finalist in the large business category for the National Restaurant Association’s award.
Recognition
Gourmet Magazine Top 40
Eddie Martini’s was named one of Gourmet Magazine’s Top 40 restaurants in the US.
Recognition
Wine Spectator Awards
Eddie Martini’s earned several Wine Spectator awards for its wine list offerings.
Recognition
Farm-to-Table First Place
ParkSide 23 received first place in the Farm-to-Table Restaurant category in the Top Choice Awards of Greater Milwaukee from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
2013–2016
Best Mexican Restaurant
Jose’s Blue Sombrero was voted Best Mexican Restaurant by The Journal Times (Racine) readers.
DO BASIC THINGS RIGHT
Good Food. Good Drink. Legendary Service.
Joe continues to challenge the team to do the basic things right: provide good food and drink in a clean restaurant with legendary service.
He also believes in giving back to the industry and community that helped shape his career.
God & Family
The source page says Joe's personal priorities include God and Family, and notes his wife Pam, six children and numerous grandchildren.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Service Beyond The Restaurant
National Insurance Company of Wisconsin
Board of Directors
Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Board of Directors
National Restaurant Association
Emeritus Status
Heartlove Place
Board of Directors
Word of Hope Ministries
Advisory Board Member
World President's Organization
Member
Everen Securities (Chicago)
Advisory Board Member
Greater Milwaukee Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Board Member
54 YEARS AND COUNTING
Come Be Part Of The Next Chapter
Celebrate the DeRosa legacy with a meal at Jose's Blue Sombrero in Racine / Mt Pleasant.
