Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant is a family-owned, casual dining restaurant in the village of Sister Bay in Door County, Wisconsin, that's known for its authentic Swedish cuisine and Scandinavian experience. However, it's more commonly known for its sod-covered roof where goats graze. Sod roofs — or grass roofs — are traditionally found in Scandinavian countries, where the gently sloping wooden roof boards are covered with a layer of sod and grass. It’s also part of the Scandinavian experience Al Johnson's tries to deliver. The addition of goats give it a unique touch. Inside the dining room — furnished with paintings, a massive stone fireplace, and wooden furniture — young ladies dressed in Scandinavian outfits serve food. The menu consists of a variety of Swedish fare, from pancakes with lingonberries to Swedish meatballs, whitefish, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of hot and cold plates. Thanks to the goats, the restaurant is one of the top-grossing restaurants in Wisconsin. In fact, the goats were so popular and such a draw that Johnson decided to trademark the idea in 1996. Now he goes after any business that attempts to lure customers by putting goats on the roof.
