Final fish fry: Wegner's St. Martins Inn to close doors after 26 years of business

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It's a longstanding Wisconsin tradition -- Friday fish fry. For Wegner's St. Martins Inn in Franklin, this Friday's fish fry is a bittersweet one; after 26 years, it's their final one. The restaurant will be closing after Saturday, June 1. 

There are places you're willing to line up for. Places where the company, the memories, and the food keeps you coming back. 

“Atmosphere is like being up north," said Jack Czerniak, a longtime customer. 

Dennis and Kathie  Wegner own Wegner's St. Martins Inn. 

“Oh, it means everything. This is my whole life for 27 years," said Dennis Wegner. "It's cooking to taste."

The key to their success? The quality of their ingredients. 

“A lot of people judge a good fish fry by how much you get," said Wegner. "I start off with the best fish you can get."

That method is fool proof.

“To me, there’s not a better fish fry anywhere," said Czerniak.

Each fish is battered, fried, and served for customers who've become family. 

“We know a lot of the customers as soon as they walk in by their first names," said Kathie Wegner. 

Customers who are savoring this Wisconsin tradition a little more than usual. 

“It’ll hit me tonight when I serve the last fish and tomorrow night when I serve the last meal," said Wegner. 

For the Wegners, it's the final fish fry. 

“It’s hard," said Wegner. "Time for the next chapter of our lives.”

This recipe, like its owners is going into retirement. The restaurant will be open Saturday night for one more dinner, before closing permanently.

"It’s been a long haul," said Wegner. 

With every plate that comes out of the kitchen, customers hold onto the memories tied to this restaurant and the people who made it possible. 

"Sad for us, but happy for them," said Czerniak.