Who We Are
WR Hospitality: Restaurant Development and Management started as a great idea in 1994, when two prestigious Sioux Falls, South Dakota businesses partnered together for the purpose of owning, operating, leasing and managing first-class restaurants, convention centers, conference centers and resort lodges.
Today we serve dozens of facilities across the Midwest with nothing but growth on the horizon.
Our Team
We’re a team of movers and shakers; people who love great food and enjoy a heavy dose of old fashioned hospitality.
Paul Van Bockern, President & CEO
Paul has been in the restaurant business since 1969 and is co-owner of Minervas, our flagship restaurant. His passion for every aspect of the industry makes him a valuable and experienced partner.
Don Anderson, Vice President
Don joined Minervas in 1980 and has been a co-owner since 1986. His experience and expertise in the kitchen provide tasteful insight, delicious creativity and a velvety smooth operation.
Terry Van De Walle, Director of Human Resource Development & Training
Terry knows hospitality. With nearly three decades of restaurant management experience, his belief in outstanding customer service is evident the minute you walk in our door.
Ken Bashore, Regional Food & Beverage Director
Ken has spent over half his life in the restaurant hospitality industry, including nearly twenty with WR. His valuable insight makes him an asset to the restaurant business and an asset to you.
Carmen Graves, POS Director
When your doors open, Carmen is one of the people leading the way for your success. As our POS and accounting specialist, Carmen keeps track, and, keeps the team on track with stats and more.
When your doors open, Carmen is one of the people leading the way for your success. As our POS and accounting specialist, Carmen keeps track, and, keeps the team on track with stats and more.
Barbara Christen, Marketing Director
With an impressive combination of retail management, design and marketing experience, Barbara provides you with powerful promotional advertising, creative menu design and savvy marketing tools.
Russell Ogden, Regional Food & Beverage Director
Russell oversees the food and beverage operations of six seasonal lodges and two award- winning restaurants. His extensive training and hands-on philosophy are hallmarks of his service.
Chad Olsen, Corporate Chef
Chad brings deep culinary experience to the team, providing fresh insight into our many different concepts and serving up some of the best dishes this side of anywhere.
Justin Sperlich, Assistant Marketing Director
Justin has extensive marketing experience as well as restaurant experience, including management and training expertise. His talents range from menu design to strong promotional and marketing concepts.
Justin Sperlich, Assistant Marketing Director
Justin has extensive marketing experience as well as restaurant experience, including management and training expertise. His talents range from menu design to strong promotional and marketing concepts.
The longevity of our staff and strong client partnerships speak to the dedication and integrity of WR Hospitality: Restaurant & Resort Management. We have a long history of success, but continue to focus on an even more successful future. We’d love to see you in it.
