The Kitchi Gammi Club was organized October 1st, 1883 and was the first club of its kind to be incorporated in Minnesota. Originally, it occupied quarters on the fourth floor of the old Grand Opera House located on the Northeast corner of 4th Avenue West and Superior Street. When this building was destroyed by fire, the club moved to a house on the site now occupied by the Duluth Clinic . Later it was moved from that location to the second floor of the Glencoe Building at 1st Street and 3rd Avenue West. There it stayed until the building and completion of the present club house in 1913.

Designed by Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, one of America's earliest architectural firms, which also designed St. Paul\'s Episcopal Church and the Hartley Building at about the same time, the Clubhouse has been described as one of the architectural gems of the country. The Club's beauty lies in a setting overlooking Lake Superior, from which it got its Indian name. This, together with an atmosphere of intimacy which clubs in large cities are not apt to have, give it charm and character to a degree rarely found today.

It has been most fortunate over the years to have been managed by members who have been aware of these qualities and anxious to preserve and embrace them, and a loyal membership which has been deeply concerned in its welfare.

The membership of the Club, changing gradually over the years, reflects the successive social and business leadership in our community.

Introducing Joshua Stotts
The Kitchi Gammi Club’s New GM

In some ways it seems that all roads have led Joshua Stotts to the Kitchi Gammi Club. A native of Duluth, Josh remembers as a child asking his parents, “Who lives in that big house?” whenever they drove by the Kitchi Gammi Club. He was intrigued from an early age, and now will become its new general manager beginning Aug. 24.

The Kitchi Gammi Club is pleased to introduce and welcome Josh, a dynamic hospitality professional with a passion for exceptional service and more than a decade of experience managing private club and restaurant operations. His lifetime work experience seems to have groomed him for his role as the Kitchi Gammi Club’s general manager.

Josh started working at Northland Country Club as a caddie before moving on to other jobs inside the clubhouse at age 16. There he shined shoes, served as a men’s locker room attendant, washed dishes and waited tables in the dining room. What he took away from those early experiences was an appreciation for how excellent service and attention to detail can make a difference in each person’s day.

Josh graduated from Duluth East High School, later earning a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in management from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He quickly put his business acumen to work as Northland Country Club’s dining room manager, where his duties included hiring, supervising and training the staff.

In 2006, while Northland was closed for renovation, he helped open Va Bene Caffe, a casual venue offering Italian cuisine overlooking Lake Superior in Duluth. Josh was directly involved in getting the cafe up and running – from concept through completion, even overseeing construction. He also managed daily operations.

In 2007, Josh took on a new position at Northland as the club’s food and beverage director. The position entailed overseeing all club service employees, purchasing and being involved in planning new clubhouse operations. “Working at Northland was truly a valuable experience,” he says. “The management and members were wonderful, and I learned a great deal in my time there.”

While Josh has learned much from work-related mentors, he believes his parents have played the biggest role in his achievements. “I had a great upbringing that instilled values and a solid work ethic,” says Josh. “My parents sometimes each had to work two jobs to provide for our family, so it wasn’t easy. But I have always admired their determination and commitment to making a living for our family. They are my greatest mentors and supporters.”

Josh is eager to weave together his upbringing and experience in his role at the Club. He is committed to seeing that members are met with a positive, welcoming ambiance and superior amenities at the Club. “I see the Kitchi Gammi Club as our members’ second home – a place they can unwind,” he explains. “I want everyone to leave here remembering much they enjoyed the food and the service, and I want them to be excited to return!”

As Club GM, Josh is responsible for managing the premises and all day-to-day operations. Drawing on his own food and beverage expertise, Josh looks forward to collaborating with Chef Tal to provide world-class dining for Club members and guests. He is committed to maintaining the Club’s signature character and charm, but members can also expect him to develop creative new activities and services to enhance their experience. In addition, Josh will work closely with the board, including strategic planning, and all members of the staff.

"I have worked at all levels within a private club," says Josh, "so I know that each and every staff member plays a role in keeping everything running smoothly. If staff members are happy with their jobs, they're always going to give 110 percent, which carries over into member satisfaction. We’re all here to make the Kitch an even better place."

President Todd Johnson is enthusiastic about the role Josh will play in leading the Kitchi Gammi Club into the future. “We were committed to hiring a general manager who could take the Club forward in new directions while still honoring its 125 years of history. Josh Stotts is extraordinarily qualified to accomplish the job.”

You might say it’s a job he’s been preparing for much of his life.