GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s business as usual at Kroll’s East, more than three months after the Green Bay restaurant was listed for sale.
Now, for the first time, the owners are explaining their decision to sell and sharing what their loyal customers should expect in the near and long-term future.
For more than 90 years, Kroll’s East has been serving its legendary burgers and chili. And for almost that entire time, the Schauer family has been leading the operation.
“Probably the week we were born, I’m sure we were here,” said Nathan Schauer, who co-owns the restaurant with his brother, Ben.
The current generation of Schauers will be the final in the family to run the restaurant.
“We just felt because no one wants to take it over, and our mother would like to retire, it’s kind of just the perfect time to transition,” said Ben.
Listing the business for sale in January didn’t go down as well as a butterburger for some customers.
“We’ve actually been here a few times in the last five, six weeks,” said Jim Hansen, a customer from De Pere.
While business initially jumped, with people needing a potential last taste, the Schauers say that has slowed, as false rumors of an imminent closure have circulated.
“Every week, someone comes in asking, ‘When are you closing? I heard you sold,’” said Nathan. “None of that is true.”
So far, there’s been a handful of interested buyers — about an even split of those wanting to purchase the Main Street building for a different restaurant and those wanting to continue the Kroll’s East legacy.
“As I’ve told several people, I don’t want it to stop. I’m just ready to have somebody else run it,” said Nathan. “We’re willing, if they want a transition period where we stay a little bit to help teach them the recipes, how to make everything — that kind of stuff, we’re willing to do that.”
“It’s just trying to find that perfect buyer, that preferably would want to keep it as Kroll’s, but that’s not always the way things happen,” said Ben.
Even if it ends up taking a year or two, the Schauers stress nothing will change and they’ll be open Wednesday through Sunday until the right buyer is found.
Kroll’s is actively looking for new employees, 14 years and older. The restaurant is listed for sale at $750,000, or $850,000 with the Kroll’s East name and equipment.
Kroll’s West is under different ownership and is not for sale.
