In 1964, Dick and Betty Klopcic built a small, 60’ X 60’ pyramid shaped restaurant with an intimate atmosphere offering only the finest foods and the finest service. People drove for miles and miles every night of the week to experience this unique new restaurant, designed as a pyramid by Fort Atkinson architect Helmut Ajango. The reputation for quality brought old friends and new friends to visit us time and again.

Between 1966 and 1972 the restaurant was expanded four times to accommodate the demand for dining space. The Fireside became known not only for dining but also for fabulous Wedding Receptions and private parties.

In 1978, the restaurant building was connected to another building on the property that had housed an art gallery which was transformed it into a 435 seat theatre-in-the-round. In 1982, the small gift shop was doubled in size and in 1986, a Show Lounge was remodeled into the main Showplace Shoppe you see today.

In 1992 - 93, The Fireside undertook its most recent major renovation adding 150 seats to the theatre along with complete handicap accessibility throughout the complex. A permanent Music Shoppe was added along with coat check rooms which become the Garden Shoppe and another specialty shoppe in the warmer months. The theatre received state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and a hydraulic lift system in the stage adding a whole new dimension to our productions. The entire Fireside was upgraded to consistently welcome several thousand guests each week.

THE FIRESIDE TODAY

Dick and Betty Klopcic remain involved in guiding The Fireside along its original principles of excellence. Dick’s expertise in show selection, marketing and customer service are invaluable. Their oldest son, Rick is President of the company and is responsible for carrying on the tradition of family hospitality and preparing The Fireside to serve its guests with these same high standards well into the future. Rick’s wife, Jane manages the five gift shoppes seeking out the finest merchandise and keeping us on the leading edge of all design and fashion trends.

Chef David Wolfram has been part of The Fireside family since before the 1964 opening and remains in charge of all kitchen and bakery operations.

Ed Flesch has served as Artistic Director since the theatre was opened in 1978, having produced all and directed most of the over 130 productions. He auditions over 1,000 professional singers, actors and dancers each year, primarily in New York, to cast approximately 100 roles.

The Fireside has received numerous awards over the years for excellence in the areas of food, service and theatre. Thousands of people come back year after year earning The Fireside the prized reputation as The Midwest’s Premier Dinner Theatre. We believe we are also the Midwest’s best combination of fine dining and professional theatre and are proud to be Wisconsin’s number one year-round motor coach attraction.