More AboutBlack Woods Grill & Bar

Executive Chef, Black Woods Group

Ben Thoen grew up in Washburn, WI and after graduating from Washburn High School attended Le Cordon Bleu. Classically trained during school, Chef Thoen had the opportunity to work under very accomplished chefs his entire career, beginning at a young age. His first job at the age of 13 was with Good Thyme Bistro in Washburn working with Chef Chris Basnia and launched him into everything hospitality. His fondest memories of his early career are of working with French Chef Germain Palledeau learning the ins and outs of the business of food and honing in his catering and banquet skills in Chicago, IL for Lettuce Entertain You and Wolfgang Puck Catering. Chef most recently had the opportunity to train in Miami Beach, FL and earn his Vegan & Raw Chef Certification with Vegan Fusion ™. Chef Thoen is very happy once again back home in the Midwest after having lived across the country and could not be more proud than to work with the Black Woods Group. As Executive Chef he leads the restaurant location kitchens and works side by side with the creative sales teams, skilled general managers and the powerful support teams that make up the Black Woods Group.

General Manager Black Woods London Road

I am Logan Winkelman. Born and raised in Faribault, Minnesota. I moved to Duluth in 2011 and immediately fell in love with the Northland and with the hospitality industry. Starting with Black Woods Catering in early 2013, I found the type of work I enjoy so much that it doesn't really feel like work at all. Beginning as a Banquet Bartender, I climbed the ranks to Restaurant Bartending, Event Management, Restaurant Management, and then into General Management overseeing Restaurant and Catering operations. Now I have moved across the boarder to a new store and a new adventure as the General Manager of Black Woods on the Lake in Duluth. My true passion still lies with tending bar, and you may catch me behind the bar from time to time to ensure that I don't lose the knack.

The people, both staff and patrons of Black Woods, are the fuel to my fire. They have truly become like family and are the driving force behind my goals and accomplishments. We have built a fantastic team at Black Woods. The next time you find yourself in the area come in and see for yourself.

General Manager Black Woods Two Harbors

Growing up I’ve always had a passion and commitment to make other people happy, throughout my younger life I’ve moved around and always followed my heart to keep people smiling.

Beginning my career in the restaurant business nearly 15 years ago, I began climbing the ranks from the dishwashing position to a hosting position and many more odd jobs around the restaurant.  Once I graduated from Duluth East school I moved to the twin cities where I continued working in the hospitality industry. My love for people has kept me constantly striving to make an impact in the lives of so many people, in so many places. My management experience does include 10+ years of assisting in management, as well as hourly positions before that at a few other Twin City establishments.

On my time off I spend my days mostly outside, playing football or basketball or walking my two dogs. Another passion of mine is travel, especially a weekend out to Las Vegas, or even if it is just to Minneapolis for a Vikings game or even a Wild Hockey Game, or up to Grand Marais for a day trip.

As I’ve stated before, I have an ongoing passion for this business and I only hope to have an impact similar to the one Black Woods Group has had on me. Whenever you are up the North Shore be sure to stop in and say hi and meet our great team!