Simpson’s Restaurant featured in supper club book

WAUPACA – Simpson’s Restaurant is featured in a new book titled, “Wisconsin Supper Clubs: One for the Road” by Ron Faiola. Forty-five supper clubs across the state are included and they are subdivided by geographic region. Simpson’s is in the north-central section.
Of all of the hundreds of supper clubs scattered across the state, how did Simpson’s make the final cut?
“When my documentary film about Milwaukee church festivals called, “Tilt-A-Wheels, Cowbells and Beer,” was screened at the 2015 Weyauwega International Film Festival, the organizers provided me with overnight accommodations in a comfortable bed and breakfast in one of Waupaca’s grand old homes. It was so unexpected and tremendously appreciated. It allowed me to spend a couple of relaxing days and nights in the city,” said Faiola by email.
“One night I had a wonderful meal at Simpson’s and was impressed by the food and service, but also was charmed by the nostalgic atmosphere of the downtown area. Looking back, the whole experience endeared me to the festival and that part of the state. In addition, while doing my research, I found Simpson’s has a long and interesting history that includes a connection to The Red Ox in Appleton, which is also in ‘Wisconsin Supper Clubs: One for the Road,’” Faiola said.
The photography in the book is superb and it includes pictures of food served, exterior shots of the supper clubs and interior scenes of bar areas, décor and people both dining and working. Another fascinating feature of the book’s artwork is the inclusion of numerous old-time menus and advertisements from the supper clubs, with some including prices. A Simpson’s newspaper ad from 1964 features chicken, haddock and shrimp dinners for $1.

In each chapter, Faiola covers the history and ownership of the supper clubs and the chapter about Simpson’s is especially fascinating: the grand opening of the restaurant had the Waupaca Troubadours musical quintet, a magician, and a ventriloquist act for live entertainment.
Also, the supper club’s name used to be Simpson’s Indian Room, which was changed to Simpson’s Restaurant in the early 2000s.
Faiola’s new book is an excellent history and exploration of Wisconsin’s supper club culture. It also can be looked as a travel guidebook, an in-depth bucket list of great eateries across the state. Simpson’s inclusion in the book will most likely pull in supper club aficionados and the supper-club curious alike.
The hardcover book can be ordered at www.agatepublishing.com.