Changing of the Guard for Antigo’s Country Kitchen

A new era—with a continued reliance on long-standing favorites—is coming to Antigo’s Country Kitchen.

After nearly 40 years, owners Jeff and Judy Steber have turned over the keys to Lisa Summ, a longtime member of the Country Kitchen family and an employee at the restaurant for the last eight years.

“Cooking and baking is my passion,” Summ said. “My first waitress job was at a Country Kitchen in Minnesota.”

Originally built in 1977, Country Kitchen of Antigo has been a fixture of the community with Stebers being an integral part of that success.

We have enjoyed this incredible experience and are grateful to this town for allowing us the opportunity to serve them for nearly our decades,” the Stebers said. “We just want to say thank you Antigo and to welcome Lisa to this great family.’’

Since joining Country Kitchen as franchisees, the Stebers have been perennial winners of many Sales Achievement and Community Goodwill awards.

“Jeff and Judy have optimized what defines our brand and its standards…excellent food, served with a smile, heart and integrity,” Chuck Mocco, CEO of Country Kitchen International, said. “We thank them both for their dedication and loyalty and are excited for Lisa to continue this level of excellence, as we know that she can, and that she will.’’

The Stebers plan to take a deep breath after years in a fast-paced environment, travel and time with their children and grandchildren.

“We have truly enjoyed our customers and our employees,” the couple said.

Summ and her husband, Dale, said they welcome this opportunity.

“It is our ongoing goal to provide this great community an outstanding family restaurant with the best food and service available anywhere,” they said. “We feel honored to be a part of this great town and it is our pleasure to serve them for years to come.’’

“The team at Country Kitchen International have nothing but faith in Lisa and wish her the best as she pursues the next era for Country Kitchen of Antigo,” Mocco added.

The restaurant has a vast menu selection with favorites such as the Farm Skillet, the original buttermilk and vanilla homemade “Best Pancakes
in Town,” “The Big Country Burger, as well as contemporary classics like the Cordon Bleu Sandwich. Breakfast is served all day.

The Antigo restaurant is open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Specials include burger baskets on Tuesdays, and kids-eat-free deals on Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. There are also Friday night fish and chicken buffets. Weekends and holidays are topped by breakfast buffets.

Source: Antigo Daily Journal