Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co was founded by Mark Schmitz, and named after the city in southern Saskatchewan. Moosejaw and the Wisconsin Dells Brewing Company are part of the same establishment. They are located within the same building and operate as a combined entity. They share the same space and provide guests with both food from the restaurant and a selection of craft beers brewed on-site at the brewery.
This combined concept allows visitors to enjoy a variety of handcrafted beers from the Wisconsin Dells Brewing Company while also indulging in the food offerings of Moosejaw Pizza. It creates a unique dining experience where guests can savor both the flavors of the food and the locally brewed beers, all in one place.
Moosejaw and Dells brewing are a beloved establishment situated in the heart of the Wisconsin Dells, a popular tourist destination in the United States. Since its opening, this restaurant and microbrewery has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
Iowa native Mark Schmitz after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, had dreams of becoming an Air Force pilot. However, when he was unable to meet the qualifications, he decided to pursue a career in Southern California. After two years, Schmitz realized that he missed the Midwestern hospitality and ethics.
Having spent two years in Southern California, he came to the realization that he yearned for the warmth of Midwestern hospitality and the strong ethical values that defined the region. It was during this time that his former employer from the Dells reached out, presenting him with a tempting offer for a full-time position. Schmitz had already experienced a glimpse of life in the Dells prior to graduating from college, as he had worked at Noah’s Ark to earn money for his tuition fees.
Having acquired a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry during his tenure at Noah’s Ark for nearly a decade, Schmitz decided to embark on a new venture by becoming the owner of his own establishment. In 1995, he took the leap and opened The Pump House with two other college roommates.
Initially, their offerings showcased a selection of regional craft beer. However, being passionate homebrewers yearning to produce larger quantities of their beer, they embarked on brewing within the confines of the restaurant in 1998. A pivotal moment came in 1999 when Mark Schmitz assumed the role of primary owner. It was his reminiscence of spending time at a gas station during his youth in Iowa that inspired the distinctive Pumphouse theme.
As this bar and restaurant gained popularity and flourished over time, the Waterman family, who had previously owned the well-known waterpark Noah’s Ark, approached Schmitz in the early 2000s about opening a larger restaurant and bar. Schmitz agreed, and Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewing Company was born.
In 2002 Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing opened its doors to the public, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Situated in a charming building that exudes rustic charm, the establishment quickly gained popularity due to its warm ambiance and commitment to quality. Subsequently, he opened and co-owned Buffalo Phil’s restaurant, Knuckleheads recreation center, and, most recently, Kickers restaurant. Each new addition further solidified his growing business empire in the hospitality industry.
Wisconsin Dells Brewing has gained widespread recognition within the brewing community for its groundbreaking decision to appoint Wisconsin’s inaugural female brewmaster, Jamie Baertsch (known as Jamie Martin at the time of her hiring in 2005). Jamie’s passion for brewing was ignited during her college years while studying biotechnology when she embarked on a class project centered around the art of brewing and yeast manipulation. Ever since, she has ardently embraced the brewing world.
Her unwavering commitment to the craft is evident through her active involvement in the esteemed Pink Boots Society, an influential organization uniting women in the brewing industry. Moreover, Jamie’s expertise has earned her opportunities to present at various brewing conferences, where she shares her knowledge and experiences with fellow brewing enthusiasts.
Moosejaw has transformed into one of the largest brewpubs in the region. Its impressive restaurant spans 24,000 square feet and can comfortably accommodate over 600 customers. Patrons can enjoy their time while awaiting their delicious, freshly made pizza and craft beer, as the establishment also features an arcade. The ambiance is enhanced by rustic decor, showcasing locally crafted railings, furniture, and notable game mounts, including the second largest moose ever recorded.
Moosejaw’s diverse menu caters to various tastes and preferences. From mouthwatering pizzas and juicy burgers to satisfying pastas, refreshing salads, delectable sandwiches, enticing entrees, and delightful kids’ meals, there is something for everyone. Additionally, the restaurant’s commitment to customer convenience is evident through its complimentary delivery service, making it a beloved choice among families seeking an enjoyable dining experience.
Running a brewery in a restaurant catering mostly to tourists means that most of the beers need to be accessible to a broad audience. There are typically ten different beers on tap and since 2012 some beers have been available in bottles and cans, beginning with Rustic Red.
