An occasional series where we meet the team and unearth a few fun facts about our Bottleneck family. Next up: Mike Jettner.
Mike Jettner
Where are you from?
Chicago. Yes, born and raised within the city limits.
What is your role at Bottleneck?
Operations Manager; first one in and last one out of the future new store openings.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Seeing it all come together. Knowing the vision and being able to help that vision come to life. And seeing the guests enjoy the experience created from the original vision.
What do you do when you are not at work?
Exercise, study the restaurant and bar industry… pretty lame, I know.
How did you discover Bottleneck Management?
I have known Jason Akemann and Nate Hilding for quite some time; I’ve watched their company grow from Trace to what it is now. I’m just fortunate to now be a part of it.
What do you enjoy about working with the team/company?
Bouncing ideas off each other and having our ideas be heard and implemented. The support that the owners and others show for ones’ personal ideas and initiatives is great.
Current favorite drink?
Iced Coffee.
What is something that people probably don’t know about you?
The list is fairly long; I’m a pretty private individual. I opened my first bar in 2002, second in 2005, and third in 2007. Had all three for a brief period of time and then began to sell them. I just recently sold the last one in November 2014 – a good 10 year run. Like Kenny Rogers said, “you got to know when to hold them and know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run.”
Favorite TV/Movie Quote?
“That’s a negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full.”
Biggest party foul?
Drinking and Driving.
Favorites food(s)?
Pizza, Oreos (double stuffed).
Share a moment of personal triumph:
Opening each of my bars and restaurants, and seeing my vision written on a beverage napkin come to life. Those will pale in comparison to the journey that I am on right now; July 13, 2015 I’ve just undergone a second (and hopefully last) surgery in a struggle with colon cancer. After two rounds of chemotherapy and two surgeries, I’m hoping to be cancer free, update to follow. This will not be such a personal triumph as a group effort, I could not have gone through it without the the support and encouragement of my mom, friends and Bottleneck Management ownership.