Multiple colorful cocktails with fruit slices on a wooden table in a dimly lit bar or restaurant.

About Ember Hospitality Group

Ember Hospitality Group is a hospitality holding company based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Founded in May 2026 by Brad and Bre Hansen, Ember was created to own, support, and grow hospitality brands with strong identities, strong operations, and strong community roots.

What began with The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen has grown into a broader vision for hospitality development across Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Founder Story

Brad and Bre Hansen founded Ember Hospitality Group with the belief that great hospitality brands should feel personal, intentional, and built for the communities they serve.

Their first business, The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen - Eau Claire, helped establish the foundation for Ember's growth strategy: create high-energy gathering places, build strong teams, develop memorable guest experiences, and pursue opportunities with long-term value.

Together, Brad and Bre are building Ember as a platform for future brands, future leaders, and future growth.

A happy family of three, a woman with long light brown hair, a man with a beard wearing sunglasses and a cap, and a smiling baby in a yellow dress, standing outdoors on a grassy lawn with trees and a house in the background.

Ember Values

  • Hospitality First

    We lead with people, service, and experience.

  • Community Rooted

    We build places that feel local, meaningful, and connected.

  • Experience Driven

    We believe food and beverage are only part of the story. The full guest experience matters.

  • Operator Mindset

    We care about systems, margins, teams, consistency, and long-term sustainability.

  • Growth with Purpose

    We grow intentionally, not recklessly.

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