Kevin Bratt

Kevin Bratt is the National Wine & Spirits Director at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Chicago, Las Vegas & Washington D.C., and the Beverage Director for Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago & Schaumburg.

The hospitality industry was a career meant-to-be for Kevin. Growing up north of Seattle in Washington State, Kevin first began waiting tables simply to make ends meet. A football scholarship brought him to Orange City, Iowa, where he attended Northwestern College. During this time, he would frequently make trips up to the Chicagoland area for fun. He quickly fell in love with the Windy City and all it had to offer, especially the growing restaurant scene, and after college decided to make Chicago his new home. Working in the Chicago hospitality industry fostered his passion and appreciation for all things wine and spirits.

In 2000, the iconic Miami restaurant, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab was set to debut in Chicago. In need of a Wine Director, Kevin applied for the position and immediate struck a positive chord with the Joe’s team. In his new role, Kevin worked to break down the usual stereotypes of sommeliers. He wanted the wine program to be fun, approachable, and exciting for the guests – not intimidating or stuffy. Kevin was empowered to explore new products and labels, and break the mold of the standard steakhouse wine list. When Joe’s Las Vegas opened in the Forum Shops at Caesars in 2004, Kevin was promoted to Concept Wine Director, and now oversees the wine and beverage programs in Chicago, Las Vegas, and the newest Joe’s location, Washington DC. He has recently added the position of Beverage Director for Shaw’s Crab House (Chicago / Schaumburg).

Kevin has been actively involved in Wine Service and Restaurant Hospitality for over two decades and is certified by the Society of Wine Educators and the Court of Master Sommeliers. Additionally, he has consulted for several wine programs throughout the Chicago area, many of which have been commended both locally and nationally.

“I love my job,” Kevin states. “It’s wine – it’s supposed to be fun! It requires me to constantly learn and grow, much like the product itself. I want to ensure each one of our guests is happy with their meal, and thrilled with their wine selection. I am continually working to make our wine program a great extension of the Joe’s dining experience.”

Kevin currently resides in Winnetka, just north of the Chicago city limits, with his wife Kameron and their two sons, Jens and Owen. He enjoys being outdoors, whether that’s snowboarding, skydiving, or anything on the water, namely sailing and surfing. When not diving into the wine cellar at Joe’s, you can find him dining around town.