Five Questions with Curt Kluth, Saz’s Hospitality Group

Curt Kluth is chief executive officer of Saz’s Hospitality Group, where he leads one of Wisconsin’s most recognized hospitality and catering organizations. Since joining Saz’s in 1994, Kluth has helped guide the company’s growth while preserving its reputation for exceptional food, service, and memorable guest experiences. A graduate of Marquette University High School and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he has built his career around creating meaningful partnerships and delivering hospitality at some of the region’s most iconic events, including Summerfest, Bastille Days, and the Wisconsin State Fair.

Beyond Saz’s, Curt is an active civic and industry leader committed to strengthening Milwaukee’s hospitality and tourism community. He serves on the Visit Milwaukee Board of Directors as Vice Chair and is involved with the Wisconsin State Fair Foundation, helping advance initiatives that celebrate and support the region’s vibrant event and culinary landscape.

Q: When I think about your career, you have been part of Saz’s for nearly 30 years, starting at 15 years old, and always around the summer festivals. What is it about Saz’s and the hospitality industry that excited you?

Kluth: “My first job was at Summerfest. I had live music, I had friends that I made, and it was really my first touch with the hospitality industry. I think what really did it for me was seeing the smiles on people’s faces when you’re giving them the combo plate. There was so much excitement. It was just such a fun thing, and it stuck with me ever since.”

Q: When people talk about you, they definitely mention your energy. I mean, you have got such awesome energy. What is it about your personality? How does that help you in this business of hospitality?

Kluth: “Well, I think it definitely is our team and our people that help lift me up and have the energy that I do have. But it’s really with hospitality. We come here every day, and we train our people that even though we’re here every day, some of our guests are only here once, or it’s their special moment. We want to be sure that when we come here, we bring our A game and we’re showing up. So I think it’s important for me to do that. I went to high school at Marquette University High School right down the block from here, and they taught us to be men for others. And for when I come here, I want to be the best leader I can be.”

Q: In all of the customers that you interact with at all of the community events, is there one example or moment that really made you feel like, this is why we do what we do?

Kluth: “Well, I don't know if it's really one about our customers, but I think it's one about tradition and family. Every year we’re getting ready for the Wisconsin State Fair, and we have about a hundred hours until the State Fair opens. We have so much to do, and my dad comes out, and we’re a sponsor of the racing pigs at the State Fair. We walk over and hang those banners together. It’s one of the few times I can actually spend time with my parents during the summer, and it’s kind of a tradition. It’s just something that really stuck with me. It reminds me about how Saz’s is really about family and tradition and community. It’s just something so simple, but it sticks with me. It’s one of my favorite times of the year.”

Q: What has it been like for you to have Saz as a mentor to help develop you during your career?

Kluth: “It’s been amazing. Over my years at Saz’s, to have him as a mentor, a friend, and now a business partner means the world to me. He’s taught me so many valuable lessons, such as the importance of relationships, and honestly the importance of just doing the right thing and taking care of those that take care of us.”

Q: What is something you can tell me that most people wouldn't know about Saz? Can you spill the beans?

Kluth: “That’s a tough one. I don’t know if I can let all the secrets out. I’ll share one. He might not be happy, but I’m sharing it. His middle name is Peacock.”