Institute for Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurial Education Partner
Grafton Field Trip Stop 5 of 7
Grafton Oyster Bar • Brad Hagen
*Program Investor*
Brad’s first job was at Jerseyville McDonald’s making $3.25 an hour. He also worked at Bertman’s. Brad went to LCCC and then SIUE majoring in Finance. He worked at Anheuser Busch and had a bartending job at the Broadway Oyster Bar in St. Louis. Many nights he would close down the bar at 3:30am and then be at his day job by 8am.
When he was 21 he began working at Broadway Oyster Bar bussing tables. He enjoyed cooking and wanted to be the chef. He spoke to the owner, John Johnson, and John said if he could cook three items off the menu and make them taste better than they already did, then he could have the job and hire all new kitchen staff. You've likely tasted Brad's food and know where this story is going - Brad became the chef. He did some training in New Orleans after to master his recipes.
Brad went to John again years later with dreams of owning his own restaurant. In 2016, with some help and guidance from John, Brad was able to start the Grafton Oyster Bar.
On a busy Saturday they have up to 1600 plates per day. The popularity is not surprising given the food tastes fantastic and most everything is made from scratch.
Brad is involved in the community and serves on the Jersey 100 School Board. Oyster bar is also an investor in CEO and helps make this program possible.
Thank you for speaking with us AND FOR THE BREAD PUDDING!
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