Foundation Speaker Series: Chef Dan Jacobs on Overcoming Adversity and Staying True to Yourself
Schedule
Thu Nov 06 2025 at 06:30 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
7635 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53213 | Wauwatosa, WI
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The Wauwatosa Public Library Foundation is pleased to welcome award-winning and Top Chef runner-up chef Dan Jacobs, co-owner of EsterEv and DanDan as he discusses his journey to overcoming adversity and staying true to yourself.Chef Dan Jacobs is the head chef and co-owner of acclaimed Milwaukee, WI restaurants EsterEv, a globally inspired tasting menu concept, and DanDan, a modern Chinese-American concept with Midwest sensibility. Jacobs and his business partner, Chef Dan Van Rite, are 5x James Beard Best Chef Midwest Semi-Finalists, and 2024 James Beard Best Chef Midwest Nominees.
Outside the kitchen, Jacobs is an active member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC), was instrumental in the Restaurant Revitalization Fund’s $28.6B raise in 2021, and was one of four Americans to speak to President Biden on behalf of independent restauranteurs. His advocacy work doesn’t stop there! Dan is deeply involved in Main Street Alliance, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry, and the James Beard Foundation’s Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival Campaign.
The same year DanDan and EsterEv opened, Jacobs was diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease, a genetic neuromuscular ailment commonly mistaken for ALS. With a disease that often makes simple tasks like walking upstairs or chopping an onion feel like a massive undertaking. He is proud to raise money for Kennedy’s Disease awareness.
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Where is it happening?
7635 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53213Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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