Co-Culinary Director

Jayson Pettit

Chef Jayson has grown an impressive culinary career from a love of great food, a deep connection to the Midwest, and a drive to create memorable dining experiences. Raised along the Mississippi River, he attended culinary school at Blackhawk College in Moline, Illinois, and began his culinary career in supper clubs, private country clubs, and the Iowa Machine Shed.

Over the years, Jayson’s culinary journey took him to fine dining riverfront establishments, including The Lighthouse and The Dock, before bringing him back to Wisconsin in 1999. He played a pivotal role in opening Damons Grill at Kalahari Resort, serving as Executive Chef and handling catering during the resort’s first four years. From there, he expanded his expertise into leadership, working as General Manager at Damons, then as Food & Beverage Director at Christmas Mountain, and later at Trappers Turn, Kalahari’s golf and banquet venue. In 2013 he realized a lifelong dream by opening his own restaurant, J’s Pub & Grill, which offers everything from casual fare to elevated steak and seafood dishes.

A dedicated community advocate, Jayson actively participates in local fundraisers, visits schools to inspire young chefs, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Reedsburg Area Medical Center Foundation. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him at the gym six days a week — keeping up with his two boys, two dogs, and three cats, and preparing for the possibility of grandkids someday.

Jayson is thrilled to be part of the opening team at Dawn Manor and to bring his experience and passion to this exciting new chapter in Wisconsin Dells dining.