The concessions Nathan and Stephanie Janousek have created together have sought to be unique at the fairs by offering products not commonly available and of a quality greater than one would typically expect to find at a fair. “Every customer matters” has been their mantra. They have always strived to generate return business through offering food that customers dream of all year and can only receive at the fair. There have been some situations that nearly ended their run in business, but thanks to their spirit of refusing to quit they have always found a way to do what needed to be done. Reinvesting religiously, cultivating leaders from within, and never settling for the status quo is what’s led to the immense growth of the Janousek business.

The Hangar and Backyard Steakout are the expression of all the ideas, and dreams the Janousek’s have been drafting in silence as they’ve worked toward the creation of what they feel will be the future of fair concessions. Only through staying true to each others collective vision and the incredible relationships they’ve sought to cultivate at each event with fair management have the Janousek’s come to this point.

If it seems like they live in their own world it’s because they do. They try to constantly stay in a state of gratitude while never being satisfied with where they’re at. The goal for the Janousek’s is to raise their children and show them what hard work and disciplined intentional action can lead to when a business refuses to compromise its core values at any time for any reason. They hope to gratefully keep marching toward the projects that are still yet to be revealed as they believe the fair industry is literally full of endless opportunities if one just sets goals and works toward them at every step and turn.

WFA Barham Award Recipients

2019 - Fun Biz Concessions, Inc. - Nathan & Stephanie Janousek
2018 - WZ Productions, LLC - William Zakrajshek
2017 - Stilt Circus - Star Child
2016 - Brander Enterprises, Inc. - Rich & Teresa Brander
2015 - Ovations Fanfare, LP - Charlie Neary & Nick Nicora
2014 - Helm & Sons Amusements - David & Debby Helm • Saffire Events - Kendra Wright
2013 - Let's Pretend Entertainment - Elisa Hays • Pacific Animal Productions - Karl Majewski
2012 - Ken McMeans Presents - Ken McMeans • Chapman Fashion International - Nancy Chapman
2011 - Rocket's K-9 Comets Frisbee Dog Stars - Rocket & Ashley Hoskins
2010 - Lori's Concessions - Lori Southerlend • Tommy G Productions - Tommy Giodone • CB's Cupcake - Connie Barham
2009 - Chicken Charlies - Charlie Boghosian • Doo Wah Riders - Ken Liebenson
2008 - Theater-16, Inc. - Ernie & Mary Lee Guderjahn
2007 - Kobert Animal Productions - Nancy & Gil Reigler
2006 - Owen Trailers, Inc. - Ross & Angela Owen • Big Bubba's Bad BBQ - Roger Sharp
2005 - Pristine Systems - Jeff & Jo Thornberry
2004 - Happy Day Pony Ride - Ron & Lucy Boeger • Diversified Amusements - Tom & Betty LaMotta
2003 - Chuckwagon Concessions - Chuck & Irene Dugan
2002 - Flying U Rodeo - Cotton & Karin Rosser • Holland Racing Promotions - Dutch & Fran Holland
2001 - Reno's Fish & Pasta - Reno & Elain Pignotti • Vita-Mix Corporation - John Barnard
2000 - Ray Cammack Shows - Guy & Charlene Leavitt
1999 - Touch of Mink / Dermac Labs, Inc. • Have Trunk, Will Travel - Gary & Kari Johnson
1998 - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls - Eldon & Janis Dale
1997 - Great American Petting Zoo - David & Dianne Linderman • Orange Julius - Ben & Rivie Kirk
1996 - Mackinac Island Fudge - John & Barbara Marzolino