The Early Years

In the early 1940’s, Harry Lowe, a banker from Eau Claire, purchased an old farm house off Highway 12 and turned it into a bar and meeting establishment that would eventually become Castle Hill Supper Club. Harry named it “Castle Hill” after the hill that was located behind the property.

Harry started out small; folks would gather to visit and enjoy a cold beverage. He later started serving sandwiches and slowly the business began to grow. Back then, Highway 12 was the main artery to get to Western Wisconsin, as Interstate 94 hadn’t been built yet. Since Highway 12 was a busy roadway, seven cabins were built to accommodate the travelers. Soon a motel was also added and Harry brought in his two sons to help him run the business.

A Supper Club is Born

In 1952, Harold Johnson purchased Castle Hill. Harold continued the business Harry Lowe had started. In 1956 Harold married Gert and soon Gert took over the cooking at Castle Hill. Harold and Gert continued to add items to the menu and turned Castle Hill from a bar into a traditional Midwestern Supper Club.

For the next 21 years, the Johnson family would carry on the tradition Castle Hill is known for – serving the “finest Steaks and Seafood in Jackson County”. Harold and Gert retired in 1973 and sold the business to Tom Thompson and Dick Imig. Tom and Dick stayed on for three years.

Meet the Hensels

In 1976, Bud and Carolyne Hensel of Milwaukee wanted to move out of the big city. Bud, a born and raised city boy, loved the lakes and woods in Jackson County, learning about the area from Carolyne, who was raised there. Since the beginning of their marriage, the Hensel family had had spent a lot of time in Merrillan, visiting Carolyne’s family and enjoying the recreational activities the community had to offer. When Bud found out Castle Hill was for sale, he was able to realize his life-long dream of owning his own business and moving to the area he had learned to love so much.

Bud and Carolyne and their three younger children – Jodi, Mike and Brent – were about to embark on an entirely new experience. Oldest son, Jeff, and his new wife, Laurie, were also invited to join the venture.

Learning the Restaurant Business

Without previous restaurant experience, the Hensel family spent long hours learning the business from the ground up, with help from family and many of the dedicated long-time staff at Castle Hill. In those early days, it wasn’t unusual to see the entire Hensel clan, even the younger kids, all wearing white aprons and working in the kitchen peeling potatoes, stocking coolers or washing dishes.

For the next 30 years the Hensel family would carry on the tradition of serving the “finest Steaks and Seafood in Jackson County”. Many changes would occur along the way, including the sudden and unexpected passing of Bud in 1990.

But the business continued. Carolyne could often be found behind the bar or working as hostess, while Jeff had become an expert in the kitchen. Laurie would often be working as a waitress or bartender. And, after graduating college, Mike decided to join the family business as well. One could even find Jodi or Brent helping out on a Saturday night or during the Mother’s Day and Easter Buffet events.

The Business Grows

In 1994, Carolyne, Jeff and Mike decided it was time to expand the business and a 400 seat banquet hall was added to the existing building. The new space allowed the Hensel’s to add their “Grand Seafood Buffet” every Friday night, and it also provided the community with a large space for weddings and other social events.

All in the Family

The success of Castle Hill is not just because of the great food and excellent service. The success comes from the dedication and perseverance of the Hensel family, which started with Bud’s dream but has evolved over time to include the vision of Jeff and Mike. Bud’s motto that “the customer is always king,” is as evident today as it was back in the 1940s.

For the past 30 years, on any given night, there is at least one Hensel working at the restaurant. Today that tradition even includes Bud and Carolyne’s grandchildren.

A note of Thanks

The Hensel family is proud to have served the finest in steaks and seafood for the past 30 years. We want to thank all of our loyal customers for your patronage and we look forward to serving you in the future!