When Dino Katris stepped into Mr. Yee’s (formerly Yee’s Oriental Inn) for the first time as its new owner, it wasn’t just another restaurant project. For Dino, it was a return to something deeper – something rooted in family, community, and the enduring power of hospitality. Mr. Yee’s, a longtime staple of Kenosha’s dining scene, carried a legacy built over generations. Dino didn’t come to erase that legacy; he came to honor it, while breathing new life into it through vision, care, and relentless hard work.
Born and raised in Antioch, Illinois, Dino grew up in a big Greek family full of cousins and charisma. He learned the ropes of the restaurant world at an early age, tagging along with his father at The Vegas Café. But the allure of the hospitality world quickly got real – one day he was begging to bus tables, the next he was peeling hot boiled potatoes in the dish pit. Those early lessons, especially from the waitresses who felt like extended family, stuck with him. Respect the position, no matter how small.
Though Dino originally pursued a degree in finance at DePaul University and landed an internship in the corporate world, the energy didn’t match his drive. The restaurant world had already made its mark on him. From dishwasher to busboy, from visionary to mentor, Dino had found his lane.
With a career that includes places like Lucky Star, La Fogata, El Camino, and Waterfront Warehouse, Dino built a reputation for taking on high-risk, high-reward restaurant ventures. Most of his projects were broken brands or shuttered buildings, but that never scared him. He saw potential where others saw problems. And every time a guest walked out impressed, it reminded him why he does what he does.
From Visit Kenosha Archives: Dino at La Fogata Mexican Grill
When a member of the Yee family approached him about taking over their iconic restaurant, Dino was at a crossroads. He had just sold his restaurants and was studying for his Series 7 exam. But something about Yee’s kept calling him back. It wasn’t just about the food or the challenge. It was about keeping a legacy alive. As someone who grew up in a family-run diner that had lasted over 50 years, Dino understood what that meant.
Mr. Yee’s needed more than a fresh coat of paint – it needed a complete overhaul. The kitchen was 70 years old. Plumbing and electrical systems had to be gutted and redone. But Dino dug in, working side by side with designers, carpenters, and his business partner Ken Miller, who he’d worked with since the La Fogata days. Trust was the foundation of their partnership. They divided responsibilities based on their strengths and supported each other through every obstacle.
Above, left to right: Ken Miller, Willy Yee, Dino Katris
Below: Ken and Dino
Dino knew what had to stay: the silver serving trays, the nostalgic eggrolls. But he also had to adapt. At first, long-time guests weren’t shy about pointing out what felt off – but they came back. They helped shape the rebirth of the place they loved. Dino and his team listened, learned, and adjusted. Community wasn’t just a buzzword; it was the engine behind everything.
Former Shirl’s Drive-In
Beyond Mr. Yee’s, Dino is laying the groundwork for the next generation of restaurateurs. Through Root Hospitality, he’s helping others pursue their dreams. He’s currently working on two major new projects. The first is launching MelKat’s alongside longtime friend Jason Melichar. Located at the former Shirl’s Drive-In on Sheridan Road, MelKat’s will serve up smashburgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beefs, and classic custard desserts – blending nostalgic Americana with modern flavor.
Yogi’s Pud’n
The second project pairs Dino with neighboring Racine legend Yolanda “Yogi,” the founder and creator of Yogi’s Pud’n. Along with serial entrepreneur Jose Vasquez, the team is working to grow Yogi’s Pud’n from a beloved local favorite to a national brand. Their mission? To bring the sweet taste of Racine into retail stores across the country, preserving the heart of Yogi’s recipe while scaling its reach.
Through it all, Dino stays grounded. His motivation? His wife and kids. His inspiration? His parents and the people who believed in him along the way. When asked what the best compliment he’s ever received is, he doesn’t hesitate: “You have the best staff.”
He dreams big for Kenosha – imagining a city known for its hospitality and culinary creativity. And when he finally hangs up his apron, he wants to be remembered not just for the places he built, but for the doors he helped open for others.
After sitting down with Dino, one thing is crystal clear – he’s more than a restaurateur. He’s a community builder, a mentor, and a champion for not just keeping Downtown Kenosha vibrant, inclusive, and full of heart, but for all of Kenosha.
Through Roots Hospitality and the revitalization of Mr. Yee’s and all his projects, Dino continues to show what’s possible when hard work, creativity, and care come together. His story is one of honoring legacy while embracing evolution – and it’s exactly the kind of story that reminds us why we Visit Kenosha.
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