Jake Dehne likes to say he’s just a Brookfield guy—because that’s where his story begins.
Though he grew up in Waukesha, his connection to Brookfield has always run deep. His mother taught at Brookfield Academy, where Jake and his brother, Seth, attended school from kindergarten through senior year. Each day, he passed the bar and restaurant that is now The Elbow Room—never imagining how central it would become to his life. After his mother’s games, where she coached, Jake spent time at Buddy’s with his brother, playing in the bar and soaking in the atmosphere. Years later, that familiar place would come full circle, becoming his own—now a popular gathering spot in the Village of Brookfield.
Turning Opportunity Into Ownership
Jake Dehne owns The Elbow Room alongside his brother, Seth Dehne, and business partner Robert Jude. The trio purchased the business from owner Cee Cee Ceman, who operated it from 2021 to 2024 as C.C.'s Elbow Room, before she closed it for personal reasons. During that time, she made many meaningful improvements, including the popular uncovered outdoor patio. When the business went for sale, Jude saw an opportunity and encouraged Dehne to take a closer look.
At first, the numbers simply didn’t make sense, Dehne recalled. Jude even explored purchasing it with two other partners, but they eventually backed out. “You really had to be a bar and restaurant person to make it work,” Dehne said. In the end, Dehne knew it would be a stretch—but one worth taking.
Fortunately, Dehne and Jude had all of the experience to make it a success, including a hospitality portfolio that includes RWB Milwaukee, Lucky Clover and 90s2K. Paired with Jude’s deep roots in the service industry—including roles with The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, Lupi & Iris and Westmoor Country Club—the two form a powerful duo.
The partners also recently expanded with a second Elbow Room location in Cedarburg, a venture led primarily by Seth Dehne.
Building Momentum—and Facing the Unexpected
After taking over, the new ownership team focused on making The Elbow Room their own while also building upon what Ceman had already started. They invested in upgrades they felt were necessary to improve both the customer experience and the business itself.
One of the biggest changes came after their first summer operating the restaurant. They quickly realized the uncovered patio created major challenges. Even the slightest chance of rain—or simply cloudy skies—was enough to keep customers away. And when sudden storms rolled in, there wasn’t enough room inside to accommodate everyone. “We couldn’t fit 60 people inside with their food if rain came through,” Dehne says.
The issue became impossible to ignore, especially since the patio had become a popular gathering place for regulars. The team decided a covered patio was a necessity, not a luxury. After receiving approval from the City of Brookfield, they moved forward with the project—an upgrade Dehne calls a “game changer” for the business.
Just as things were heading into winter and the restaurant was gaining momentum, the team was hit with another unexpected challenge, when Jude’s health suddenly took a turn.
Community Rallies Around One of Its Own
Late last year, Jude suddenly became ill. What he initially thought was the flu turned out to be far more serious. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and severe complications that caused his body to attack its own organs.
Despite everything he’s endured, things are beginning to look more hopeful. After more than 100 days in the hospital, Jude went home in April. Though he still remains in a wheelchair, Dehne said he has already made a visit back to the restaurant. “He had to check on everything,” Dehne said. “It was so good to see him here. We’re hoping to get him back for some offsite events if he feels up to it—and, hopefully, he’ll be back this summer.”
Jude’s health crisis also highlighted the strength of The Elbow Room team and the greater Brookfield community. Dehne quickly launched a GoFundMe to support Jude and his family, raising more than $154,000. He also organized a fundraising event at Wanaki Golf Course in Menomonee Falls in February, which brought in an additional $35,000. “The support—from people dropping off envelopes to donating online—has meant everything and has helped greatly with medical bills,” Dehne said. Though it will take time, Jude is expected to make a near full recovery.
What to Order–And Why You’ll Stay
Whether you’re a regular or visiting The Elbow Room for the first time, Dehne has a few menu favorites. At the top of the list is the restaurant’s popular Smashburger, made with premium beef from Pro Football Hall of Famer and Brookfield native Joe Thomas. Raised on Thomas’s farm outside the Madison area, the humane, high-quality beef has become a standout ingredient—and The Elbow Room is currently one of the only local restaurants to serve it.
His other top recommendations include wings and the Birria Grilled Cheese. As for a “sleeper” menu item that doesn’t get nearly enough attention? The Elbow Room’s pizzas.
“Fish fry is also a huge draw, and we're adding perch,” Dehne says. “Fridays are typically our busiest. When the weather’s nice, the patio is packed from day to night. We also feature live music and are expanding it to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays this summer.”
“The overall vibe is very community-driven,” adds Dehne. “It’s a local, Cheers-type atmosphere with good food, plenty of laughter, and a relaxed energy. We love to donate to our community's charities, schools and sponsor sports teams. It’s intentionally not overly upscale —it’s just a welcoming place where everyone feels like they belong.”
The Elbow Room is located at 2850 N. Brookfield Rd. in Brookfield. Follow them @ElbowRoomBrookfield on Instagram and Facebook. www.elbowroombrookfield.com