kim bartmann
Kim Bartmann has re-imagined spaces in what some would term ‘difficult’ neighborhoods since 1991. She has long been committed to the arts and theater, having opened the Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater in 1993. As an extension of her restaurants’ focus on local buying & sustainability, she opened Minnesota’s first LEED-CI certified restaurant in 2007, the 17th in the US. She is a 3-time James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur semi-finalist, and the recipient of many design, development, and community awards.
Founder @ Placemaker Hospitality · Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
Open to advisory
Customer acquisition · Product · Engineering & Tech · Operations & Finance
Makes warm intros to
5
Hours / month
About kim
Kim Bartmann is a triple-bottom-line restaurateur and professional instigator, launching eateries in re-imagined spaces since 1991. She’s been creating and producing events for an unmentionable amount of time. (Since before they called it placemaking!) She believes that well-prepared food made from ethically sourced, sustainably farmed ingredients, welcoming spaces, and creative events can bring people together, support neighborhoods and catalyze a city. As CEO of Bartmann Group, Kim leads an ecosystem of innovative restaurants and all-are-welcome events that use creative energy to feed people and connect communities. Because Bartmann Group gives equal weight to people, planet, and profits, employees have access to healthcare and benefits; food is prepared with ingredients grown on the Bartmann Group organic farm or sourced from local producers and purveyors; spaces are built with an eye toward LEED specifications, and recycling and composting are standard practice. Kim’s hospitality vision and leadership have been recognized locally and nationally. Twice she was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation Restaurateur of the Year award, as well as a mentor in the JBF Women in Culinary Leadership program. Nation’s Restaurant Newsreaders selected her as a Top CEO 2019, and Kim was named to the Restaurant News Power List: Readers Pick, 2018. A finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Kim was also recently selected for Minnesota’s 50 Over 50 leadership awards, and Twin Cities Business100 People to Know 2019. With a strong belief in giving back, in addition to the support Bartmann Group provides Twin Cities nonprofit organizations, Kim serves as President Emeritus of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, and has acted as a mentor and expert for the Deluxe Corporation Small Business Revolution television project. Outside of work and mentoring, she stays busy with house and garden projects, cooking for her friends and family, and spending time at the lake in northern Wisconsin. Her favorite question after “Who’s hungry?” is “What’s next?!
Skills
Founded company
Successfully founded and developed multiple restaurant businesses over three decades.
Industry Recognition
Received numerous prestigious local and national awards and recognitions for leadership, entrepreneurship, and contributions to the restaurant industry.
Restaurant Concept Development
Proven track record of developing and launching successful, innovative restaurant concepts, often in 're-imagined' spaces since 1991.
Restaurant Industry
Deep expertise and significant influence as a prominent figure in the restaurant industry.
Pioneering Sustainability
Pioneered sustainable restaurant design and operation by opening one of the first LEED-certified restaurants in the US.
Business Leadership
Executive leadership experience managing an ecosystem of multiple successful restaurant businesses and a dedicated team.
Entrepreneurship
Long-standing and successful career as an entrepreneur, consistently launching and growing multiple businesses since 1991.
Hospitality Industry
Decades of extensive experience and influential leadership within the hospitality sector.
Brand Development
Brand development, graphic art direction, interior design, concept design, value engineering
Hospitality Management
Recognized nationally for her vision and leadership within the hospitality sector.
Food and Beverage Industry
Comprehensive experience spanning food sourcing, preparation, service, and concept development within the food and beverage sector.
Sustainable Food Sourcing
Expertise in establishing and managing a sustainable, local food supply chain, including direct sourcing from an organic farm.
Triple Bottom Line Business Model
Implemented and champions a business model that prioritizes social and environmental performance alongside financial success.
Strategic Planning
A strategic thinker consistently seeking new opportunities and driving growth within her diverse business ecosystem.
Community Engagement
Actively involved in and supports community initiatives and Twin Cities non-profit organizations, demonstrating a strong belief in giving back.
Sustainable Design
Pioneering in integrating sustainable design principles into restaurant spaces, including opening Minnesota's first LEED-CI certified restaurant.
Event Production
Extensive experience in creating and producing events that bring people together, dating back to before the term 'placemaking' was common.
Mentorship
Actively mentors emerging leaders in culinary arts and provides expert advice to small businesses through various programs.
Non-Profit Leadership
Held a leadership role as President Emeritus of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, demonstrating commitment to industry support.
Human Resources Management
Demonstrated commitment to employee well-being through providing access to comprehensive healthcare and benefits.
Placemaking
Deep understanding of creating vibrant, welcoming spaces and experiences that foster community connection.
Home Cooking
Enjoys cooking personally for friends and family.
Regenerative Agriculture
Actively involved in agricultural management
Experience
volunteer
President Emeritus
Women Chefs and Restaurateurs
Served in a leadership capacity for a prominent industry non-profit organization, contributing to its mission of supporting women in culinary arts.
Demonstrated leadership and commitment to giving back to the restaurant community, supporting and advocating for women professionals.
volunteer
Mentor
James Beard Foundation
Mentored participants in the Women in Culinary Leadership program, sharing expertise and guidance.
Supported the development of emerging female leaders in the culinary field, contributing to industry growth and knowledge sharing.
job
CEO & Restaurateur
Bartmann Group
Leads an ecosystem of innovative restaurants and events, focusing on a triple-bottom-line business model that prioritizes people, planet, and profits. Oversees all aspects of business operations, including sustainable sourcing, employee benefits, and eco-friendly space development.
Launched numerous eateries since 1991, including the Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater in 1993 and Minnesota’s first LEED-CI certified restaurant in 2007. Recognized nationally and locally with multiple awards, including twice being a James Beard Foundation Restaurateur of the Year semi-finalist and named a Top CEO by Nation’s Restaurant Newsreaders.
volunteer
Mentor & Expert
Deluxe Corporation
Provided expert advice and mentorship for the Small Business Revolution television project, assisting small businesses in various sectors.
Shared business acumen and industry insights on a national platform to support and uplift small business owners.