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family was growing too. Sons Chris and Dan started working at Suisse Haus when they were old enough to drive. Chris went on to manage “Friendly” and bought his dad out. Despite dramatic changes to the menu (now close to 40 sandwiches to choose from), one thing remains the same: fresh-ground burgers using quality meat from a local locker plant. “That’s what the business was built on,” says Rich, who also added a patio for outside dining. Walk into Suisse Haus on any given day, and you’re likely to find Rich and Dan either behind the bar, in the kitchen, or at the grill. Daughter Emily also helps out part time while attending college. Rich is optimistic that Dan, who currently manages Suisse Haus, will someday take over the business. And for the next generation of burger lovers, there’s Dan’s son Brody, a second-grader.

CHEESE • BEER • WINE • MEATS • SANDWICHES CRACKERS • SOUVENIRS • GIFTS

business was just on the side. “They had an old electric hamburger fryer, and you could heat up flip-top cans of soup on this two-prong warmer,” says Rich. Things changed quickly and less than two months later Rich fired up the new grill, and there were now seven or eight sandwiches on the menu. He added homemade pizza the following year. Rich eventually bought out both owners by 1990. In addition to growing the family business (he also owned a bar called Friendly Inn), his BURGERS AND BUSINESS

Fresh-ground burgers and family. That’s the formula for success when it comes to the sustainability of one local business over multiple generations. Rich Schindler, a former auto mechanic by day and bartender by night, was brought in as manager of the Suisse Haus (at one time known as City Hotel) when two guys bought it on a whim in July, 1981. “Rumor has it that they wanted to be able to buy Scotch at wholesale prices,” says Rich. Back in the 80’s, the bar side of the business was big, and the food

Ratskeller Restaurant – Swiss Cuisine Swiss Folk Art & Historical Displays Swiss Heritage Events and Programs

SEE CHEESE BEING MADE The viewing hall (open to the public) allows you to observe some aspects of the making process. Wisconsin cheesemakers get an early start to their day, so the best times to catch some action are from 9 am to 1 pm. Guided creamery tours are offered weekdays at 10 am and Saturday at 11 am. Larger tour groups should call ahead to the Alp and Dell retail store (connected to the Emmi Roth plant) to schedule a date and time: 608-328-3355.

Monthly Accordion Jams Sunday Oldtime Dances

Celebrating 150 years in 2018 with special events all year!

Authentic Old World Charm ~ Historical Landmark A 501(c)(3) non-profit, handicapped-accessible & listed on the National & State Registers of Historic Places (608) 325-3461 www.TurnerHallofMonroe.org

Your local neighborhood nano brewery.

Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 9 am - 6 pm

Freshly brewed beer, in the taproom or growlers to go; from dark malty ales to Belgian-style blondes. On the calendar: open lrish music sessions, Bluegrass jams, original singers, songwriters & acoustic acts. Find us on Facebook. Or better yet - find us just one block south of the Square in downtown Monroe. 608.426.6720 1128 17th Ave., Monroe

Restaurant & Pub Casual Dining  Upscale Pub Fare Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday Daily specials Friday Fish Fry - Saturday Prime Rib Full Service bar with signature cocktails Happy Hour - Weekdays 3:30 - 5:30 1015 18th Avenue, Monroe WI • (608) 426-6445 buggyworkspub.com

Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

657 2nd Street, Monroe, WI (Near intersection Hwy 11/81 and Americinn)

Tony Zgraggen, Proprietor

alpanddellcheese.com • 608.328.3355 Over 150 specialty cheeses, plus wine and beer for sale - let us suggest the perfect pairing!

Ethan Kister, Brewmaster