Jason Alston
Founder, Heaven’s Table

Jason Alston has always loved food. His family nurtured that love by teaching him how to cook from a very young age. While working to achieve his Associates Degree in Applied Science from MATC and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Science from Cardinal Stritch, Jason also worked on his craft in local restaurants.

It wasn’t until he met Justin Carlisle, then the Executive Chef at Umami Moto, that his career path became clear. Carlisle’s tutelage, mostly in Japanese cuisine, broadened his culinary horizons, and learn to appreciate each ingredient as it goes into a dish. He also cooked for local celebrities and athletes, like Ryan Braun and Aaaron Rodgers. 

Jason’s talent and work ethic was undeniable, and he soon secured Executive Chef positions for the Surge Group and Marquette University.

It also seemed like barbecue was a recurring theme in his work and his passion whether it was changing concepts or doing barbecue pop-up restaurants. It wasn’t until Jason won several barbecue competitions that he gained the confidence to start his own business called Heaven’s Table in June 2018. 

The goal was to become “Milwaukee’s Finest BBQ Restaurant,” and they are well on their way.  Heaven’s Table was voted Best Barbecue local magazines and was featured in Milwaukee Magazine and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Heaven’s Table has now opened a second location on 55th street.  

NWSCDC has helped make Jason’s dream of Heaven’s Table a reality by giving him the opportunity to open his first restaurant and purchase the equipment needed through their business lending program.  

The restaurant has been extremely successful, and Jason only hopes to build on that growth.  His future goals range between the pragmatic and profound. First, he aims to pay off his business loan quickly and further expand his empire.  Next, he would also like to pay it forward by creating an investment group that gives dedicated entrepreneurs a financial start—like the one he received from NWSCDC.  

Finally, and more ambitiously, Jason—who still works as an Educational Assistant at MATC—would like to found a culinary program that teaches young adults trades like cooking, plumbing, and IT to ensure that they have more opportunities to start a career, and thus a better life. 

Jason wholeheartedly believes that Milwaukee can become a haven for culinary and business opportunities for people of color much like Atlanta has become for entertainment.