The Birth of a Unique Tradition

A Wisconsin restaurant features some unusual staff members - goats that trim their green roof. This charming tradition at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant started with a playful prank back in the 1970s.

The restaurant opened its doors in 1949, but it wasn't until 1973 that they decided to install a sod roof. During discussions about this new feature, Al's friend Winky Larson kept suggesting that goats should live on the roof to keep the grass trimmed.

Winky was partly joking. He loved imagining goats grazing atop a building. But after the sod roof was installed, Winky's imagination got the better of him.

From Joke to Reality

One early morning, Winky took his joke to the next level. Armed with determination and a ladder, he carried a large billy goat up to the roof. The goat immediately made itself at home and started munching on the rooftop grass.

What began as a prank turned into a beloved tradition. Ever since that day, the restaurant has maintained goats on their roof whenever the weather permits. These animals serve as natural landscapers, keeping the grass neatly trimmed.

The Next Generation

Today, the goats have it easier than that first pioneering billy. They now use a custom-built goat ramp to access the roof rather than needing to be carried up a ladder.

Just last month, Al Johnson's welcomed five new kids who will become the next generation of roof goats. Two sets of twins were named Ol and Lena, and Anna and Elsa. The fifth goat received a name that honors the tradition's founder - Winky.

Visit the Roof Goats

For those who can't make it to Sister Bay, Wisconsin to see this unusual attraction in person, the restaurant offers goat cameras on their website. Viewers from around the world can watch these four-legged landscapers at work.

Of course, nothing beats experiencing the roof goats in person. Visitors to the restaurant can enjoy watching the goats graze while savoring a delicious Swedish pancake below.

This quirky tradition has become a defining feature of Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, transforming what started as a friend's practical joke into a beloved attraction that continues to delight visitors nearly five decades later.