Restaurant receives accolade for good food, good will

The Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce recently named Atlas BBQ with this year’s Outstanding Business Award winner.

“Honestly, it was quite a surprise. I never expected it,” owner Michael Tsuchihashi said. “We just want to run a good business in Grafton. It was nice to be recognized by the community.”

Tsuchihashi has been operating his business at 1304 12th Ave. for nearly seven years. Previously, the space was the Paramount Restaurant that went through a couple reincarnations.

“The building was sitting vacant and it was a good opportunity for a first-time start up. We knew being in this location that we needed to get involved in the community the best we could,” he said. “For the restaurant to sustain itself for that long, it’s been rather rewarding.”

In his nomination letter for Atlas, Mike Cibulka of U.S. Bank in Grafton, who received the Chamber’s Outstanding Business Person Award last year, said, “The restaurant has become a destination for people who love great BBQ, and customers come from all over southeastern Wisconsin.

“The Atlas staff is very generous in donating monetary gifts, food and time to help make community events successful.”

Tsuchihashi opens his doors for community events such as the Grafton Tree Lighting celebration and Grafton Lions Club’s annual pancake breakfast. The restaurant also provides soups and raffle items for the Grafton Education Foundation’s Soupor Bowl fundraiser.

Prior to starting his business, Tsuchihashi was the food and beverage director for Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee for 11 years. He said Grafton has a greater emphasis on community involvement than Milwaukee.

Tsuchihashi also said he and his staff participate in career fairs at Grafton schools to help youngsters learn about the hospitality industry.

“We visit schools to talk about different career paths and how the industry works,” he said.

While there are a few other area barbecue restaurants, Tsuchihashi said his is the only full-service restaurant. He also tries to set himself apart from similar businesses by offering Asian-infused barbecue, which stems from his Japanese heritage.

“We have the typical fare — brisket and ribs — but we try to put a spin on it and make it a more complete dining experience than just barbecue on a stainless-steel tray,” he said.

During the Chinese New Year in February, Tsuchihashi offers a specialty menu that features items such as Chinese chicken, egg rolls and dumplings.

“Our most popular is fried rice with pulled pork. It’s the perfect marriage where east meets west,” he said.

Tsuchihashi is also an avid “Star Wars” fan, and this Saturday his menu will feature the Death Star sandwich in honor of May 4.

“It’s a homage to the phrase, ‘May the force be with you,’” he laughed. “We’re a little bit of ‘Star Wars’ geeks around here. We also have the sandwich on the menu whenever a new ‘Star Wars’ movie comes out.”

Other Chamber awards recipients this year include Katie Parchim of John’s Pizzaria, who will receive Outstanding Business Person, Brooke Napiwocki of Crescendo Wealth Management for Outstanding Young Professional, and Village Director of Community Development Jessica Wolff for Outstanding Community Partner.

The Chamber will present the awards during a reception on Thursday, May 23, at The Bog golf course.