Kyote’s Bar & Grill earns Belgium Chamber’s award

Kyote’s Bar & Grill has been named the Business of the Year by the Belgium Area Chamber of Commerce.

Since opening last November in the former Bic’s Place, owner Kyle Simpson has been creating new life in the establishment at 129 Spring St. 

“It’s a good feeling after moving to a small town and not knowing anybody. It’s nice to be accepted and I want to give back to this community,” Simpson said. “I enjoy what I do and I want to improve upon what I’ve built in my first year here.”

The Chamber’s Executive Director Tara Williams said the restaurant serves as a venue for a number of community events. 

“Kyote’s opened in Belgium around this same time last year and really hit the ground running in our community,” Williams said. “The doors were barely opened when Kyle was volunteering to host meetings and serve food at our European Christmas event, and has been a part of countless community events both in and outside of his establishment ever since.”

Williams also said Simpson sponsored two Summer Nights LIVE bands last summer, was the master of ceremonies for the Luxembourg Fest treipen eating contest and has served food at many other community events. 

Simpson has hosted events at the eatery to raise money for charities and organizations including the Belgium Ambassador program, Belgium Fire Department, Belgium Lions Club, Belgium Gardens, the Adam Hartwig Fund and the Wisconsin Concerns of Police Survivors. 

In a letter nominating Kyote’s for the award, real estate agent Peggy Wester of Realty Executives Integrity in Cedarburg said Simpson is committed to the Belgium community.

“From the moment he opened the doors to Kyote’s, Kyle has continuously demonstrated great enthusiasm and commitment to not only his business but the people and community around him,” she said.

Prior to opening, Simpson considered owning a bar in Milwaukee. However, he felt the city is saturated with that type of business. 

The first-time business owner previously held managerial positions for Levy Restaurants and Bartolotta Restaurant Group, where he had the opportunity to work with the Milwaukee Bucks for several seasons and at chic places like The Rumpus Room and Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

“I’m glad I made the decision not to own a business in Milwaukee,” Simpson said. “Belgium is a little small and there might not be a lot of business on the weekends, but I see this community growing in the near future and I’m glad to be part of it.”

The Chamber will present its 2019 business awards at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Memories banquet hall in the Town of Port Washington.

In addition to Kyote’s Bar & Grill, Buechler Farms will receive the Business Improvement Award, Clem Gottsaker, owner of Clem’s Locksmith, will receive the Distinguished Service Award. Williams also earned the Citizen of the Year Award.