As O&H Danish Bakery celebrates its 75th year in business, the family-owned company will also mark another milestone in its history: passing the torch along to the next generation.
Following 12 years of leadership and service as both vice president and fourth-generation co-owner of the family-owned business, Peter Olesen has been named President of O&H Danish Bakery. As part of the transition, Eric Olesen, who served as third-generation co-owner of the 75-year-old family-owned bakery, will assume the role of president emeritus.
“As a father and a business owner, this is what I’ve been working towards,” notes Eric. “It is a privilege to be passing the torch to my son Peter. I have every confidence he will continue to build on the success of each generation before him. The future of O&H Danish Bakery is well-rooted in the Olesen family values and its community, and I can’t wait to see the personal touch that Peter brings to the business.”
Peter not only brings decades of business acumen to the table, but a lifetime steeped in the values that form the foundation of O&H’s business and culture. That includes the knowledge and passion for the traditional methods and scratch-made recipes that have become the hallmark of the bakery.
“I have spent my entire life in this bakery watching my grandfather’s and father’s vision come to life through hard work and commitment,” he says. “To be President of O&H Danish Bakery feels both humbling and thrilling. I am honored to continue my family’s legacy upholding our Danish heritage and creating the best baked goods and experience for all our customers. It is our hope that with every slice or gift from our bakery, our customers feel the passion and care each member of our family and team has for the work that we do.”
Listen to our chat with Eric Olesen about the world of Danish pastry on the FoodCrush Podcast!
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
