The Landmark Bistro has an expert staff of chefs, servers, bartenders, hosts and hostesses, all trained to provide one of the best dining experiences in the Midwest. New Landmark staff members spend weeks training themselves in every culinary detail — from learning about exotic foods to how to set a table correctly.

Management Team

A.J. Klein — Executive Sous Chef

I grew up in southeastern WI. Food has always been a part of my family’s life, especially on my father’s side of the family. My paternal grandparents owned and ran several bakeries. My Uncle Jack was a professional baker for Crestwood bakeries. My Uncle Bob has run several large baking companies, including Jan Holstmeister’s cheesecake and Steven-Robert originals. I was also brought up with a mom who cooked fantastic meals. So a love of good food is in my blood.

I currently live in Redwood Falls with my wife Amanda who works for Monsanto, Inc. We moved to the area about two months ago, and are still trying to figure out where everything is! It is a big change from Madison, WI.

I have a degree in culinary arts from Chippewa Valley Tech in Eau Claire, WI. I have worked in a variety of different restaurants, approximately 13 over the last 15 years. My last job was the team chef for UW athletics where my main responsibilities included feeding athletic teams (mainly football, basketball and hockey), planning and executing multiple banquets for alumni and guests, and supplying luxury box and club seats at a 92,000 seat football stadium. Now that’s a lot of brats.

Jackie Tentinger — Restaurant manager

“I had a ‘Leave It To Beaver’ type of childhood” says Jackie of her childhood in Slayton, Minnesota. Growing up with a twin sister and two younger brothers, the Tentinger family is still very close. “My sister and I did everything together… school, sports, friends, college and even jobs - between us, we’ve managed seven restaurants.” Jackie credits her father for her work ethic. “I have never met a harder worker than my father, nor a more giving person than my mother. They are the reason why I go above and beyond for my guests.”

Jackie began her restaurant career at the Shady Drive-In, a small malt shop in Slayton, when she was 14 years old, and by age 16 she was the manager. At age 18, Jackie was well entrenched in the restaurant world, when she became the kitchen manager at Key Largo, a busy resort restaurant serving up to 500 guests a night. By age 22, Jackie became Key Largo’s General Manager. “It was Ron Johnanning, the owner of Key Largo who helped develop my passion for the business. That’s why I decided to go to school for Business Economics.”

After traveling extensively throughout the US, Jackie returned to Slayton where she and her fiance Aaron raise their son Anikan. Jackie’s extended family live close-by. “Family life is very important to me. I want my children to have the same experience I did in this community. I’m happy to be back in southwest Minnesota.”

In addition to her career at the Landmark Bistro and her family commitments, Jackie gives back to the community, serving as president of the Currie Town and Country Organization.