Steny’s Lake Country isn’t afraid to say “You should be here!” From the friendly staff, to the delicious food and drinks, to the unique charm that fills the large space, owners Ryan and Brit Steny have clearly made the place their own. Ryan’s father, Jerry Steny, opened the original Steny’s Milwaukee location in 1985. Ryan and Brit have now brought the zest and spirit of downtown out to Lake Country. For the past 7 months, the husband and wife duo have worked hard to create a restaurant experience unlike any other. As Ryan put it, “You have to keep evolving”.
Ryan and Brit have a long history in Lake Country. Brit was born and raised in the area, and even played volleyball at the former Boomer’s Sports Pub where Steny’s Lake Country is now located. Once the couple married and began to start their family, they found the idea of expanding Steny’s out to Lake Country even more exciting. Ryan had helped his father run the Milwaukee location for fifteen years, and was now well equipped to implement his own vision of what Steny’s could be. When Boomer’s went up for sale, Ryan and Brit knew they had found the perfect spot. They bought it immediately and started working hard to turn their dreams into reality.
Steny’s Lake Country opened at the tail end of summer 2024 with a 115 person staff. “We have a great crew,” Said Ryan. “We’re getting noticed in the area for our staff and our fast service.”
Perhaps a big reason for the staff’s success is their family values. Brit and her sisters work at the restaurant, and both Ryan and Jerry can be spotted there on busy nights. “Family is everything,” Ryan stated, pointing out how well the entire team has come together. Brit agreed, adding “This group is so special.”
The success they’ve had so far is encouraging. Steny’s Lake Country hasn’t even been open for a year, yet they’re already looking to expand their offerings. They’re hoping to add a weekend brunch menu, which has been wildly popular at the Milwaukee location. Looking ahead to summer, the goal is to eventually reopen the volleyball courts and add patio seating. Currently, Steny’s Lake Country is expanding its shuttle bus services. For a fee, guests can take a shuttle from Steny’s to Brewers games, Bucks game, concerts, and more.
“Last week, we had a shuttle sell out for the first time,” Said Ryan. “42 out of 42 seats were sold for the bus down to the Justin Timberlake concert at the Fiserv Forum!”
Last weekend, the couple rolled out an old Milwaukee favorite for the first time: Their drive-thru Friday fish fry. The event was a massive success, giving customers quick service and great, high quality food. The idea originated during the 2020 pandemic, when Steny’s used the drive-thru format to keep their staff working and earning an income. After all, the Steny family has prioritized generosity for the past 40 years.
Steny’s Lake Country has diligently given back to the community it serves. The restaurant frequently sponsors charity golf outings, meat raffles, and fundraisers for local schools. It is a testament to the passion Ryan and Brit have for their business and their neighborhood: “It’s a meeting spot for people to come and have fun – Why wouldn’t we want to give back?”
Steny’s Lake Country is creating a vibrant, enjoyable place for those in the area to come together for top-notch food and drinks. As Brit thoughtfully reflected on their first 7 months, she stated, “The people have been incredible. I’ve never had it where people, customers were thanking us for being here. It’s been amazing.”
