The Humble Supper Club In Wisconsin That's Been Owned By The Same Family For Over 70 Years
By Ben Jones|Published October 20, 2023
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In a rural corner of Fond du Lac County, there’s a family-owned supper club that’s been delighting generations of diners. Blanck’s Supper Club is a classic Wisconsin supper club that dates to the 1950s. It’s a place that’s thrived despite challenges over the years, and it’s worth seeking out. Here’s why.
On October 1, 1952, Bob and Hazel Blanck became the owners of a small tavern in Johnsburg.
Located in the same building were their living quarters, the tavern itself, and the town's barber shop, situated where the coat racks are in the front bar today.
Eventually, the barber retired, and not long after, the Blancks decided to expand the bar by knocking down a wall.
They invested in equipment that allowed them to grill steaks and broast chicken. Their business grew, with much of it stemming from wedding and funeral dinners, since the local church lacked a basement for such events.
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They later expanded their menu with a fish fry and changed the name from Bob and Hazel's Tavern to Blanck's Supper Club. It became a popular local fixture.
I’ve spent a lot of time in this part of the state visiting family – if you’ve never explored the “Holylands” you should plan a trip! The region is located in eastern Wisconsin, mainly within Fond du Lac County, near Lake Winnebago. The communities of Mount Calvary, St. Cloud, and Johnsburg are part of this region, and it showcases a rich cultural heritage with some traditional German influences, including cuisine, festivals, and music. Learn more about Blanck’s Supper Club on the restaurant’s website. Make all your Wisconsin travel plans on Booking.com, and here are some Wisconsin attractions you won’t want to miss.
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