TJ Bachmeyer
General Manager
TJ Bachmeyer brings nearly three decades of hospitality leadership and a lifelong passion for creating meaningful dining experiences to his role as General Manager of Juniper. A Milwaukee native with a natural ability to connect with people, he first discovered his love for the industry while working at the iconic Grenadiers restaurant as a college student. After earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he began his career in Chicago’s hospitality scene with KDK/Boutique Hospitality. There he quickly established himself as a leader, and learned that great restaurants are built by strong teams.
Over the years, he became a key figure in Chicago’s restaurant landscape, running acclaimed spots like Vivo, Marche and Gioco and earning recognition from critics like Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune. Throughout his career with prominent hospitality groups including Mainstay Hospitality, The Weber Grill Restaurant, Friedman Properties, Sonas Hospitality and Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Bachmeyer continued to build his belief that hospitality is about more than a meal, but about cultivating lasting relationships with the communities so vital to each concept. He went on to serve as General Manager at Ballyhoo Hospitality’s Pomeroy, where he helped create memorable experiences for guests including the “Marche aux Vin” wine trade event. Along the way, he successfully guided several restaurants through critical reopenings and expansions. Most recently, Bachmeyer served as General Manager of Garcia’s Chicago, the West Loop concert venue and restaurant inspired by the legacy of Grateful Dead co-founder Jerry Garcia. Helping lead the venue through its opening year, he played a key role in developing its hospitality experience, which was recognized by Billboard’s 2026 Top Music Venues with the distinction of “Best New Music Venue With Food Pairing In The World.”
Today, Bachmeyer brings his strategic leadership, innovative mindset and enthusiasm for hospitality to this latest concept. He recognizes the value of bringing people together and building teams that share a passion for service; he remains committed to crafting an atmosphere which celebrates both the guests and the team at Juniper.