Michele's - Then & Now
Michele’s Restaurant was established as a family operated cocktail lounge in 1980 by Barb and the late “Doc” Klasinski. Their desire to offer fabulous drinks and snacks in a warm comfortable atmosphere soon mandated expansion. In 1983 a state of the art kitchen and two beautifully decorated dining rooms were added. Thad Klasinski then pushed Michele’s forward with new trends in cuisine, marketing and service. Thad’s wife, Wendy, would bring years of restaurant experience and wisdom to compliment and drive the dream. In 1992, as new owners, Wendy and Thad would continue the tradition of providing each valued customer a memorable dining experience. Behind the scene are found great people like Head Chef Jon Hardin, a dedicated employee since 1984 and lifelong friend, Chef Al Repinski, former Head Chef at the “Hot Fish Shoppe”, Kathe Carter, bar manager and our “voice of reason”, and a Waitstaff that is “second to none”.
Michele’s continues to grow inside and out. A full service catering business now operates successfully offering services to weddings, family reunions and company picnics. Thad & Wendy’s sons, Kamen and Isaac, once “little kids” chasing mom and dad around the restaurant - now men - have found a new place in the restaurant, tending bar, operating food booths at local events, catering, social media and web site marketing. Chef Thad’s “Feast Never Famine” Dining Club has become a monthly event that guests rave about. Multiple gracious restaurant reviews, “Best Steak House in Portage County” Award from Stevens Point Journal, Five Stars from Wausau Daily Herald’s Chef Ann Liebmann, “The Place to Dine” from the Scene Magazine, to name but a few. Our wine list, our creative cocktails, our ambience, our staff, and of course our food all boast Thad & Wendy’s ongoing passion and reflect Barb Klasinski’s dream. Thank you for your patronage!