From homemade holiday frozen treats and gift card specials to childhood Christmas memories and a little Cousin Eddie humor, Dino Katris and Jason Melichar are serving up plenty of holiday cheer at MelKat's!
Who says ice cream is just for summer?
Certainly not Dino Katris and Jason Melichar!
The two friends and business partners behind MelKat's on Sheridan Road in Kenosha are proving that delicious food, homemade frozen treats, and a little holiday creativity make a pretty sweet combination any time of year.
Located at the former Shirl's Drive-In, MelKat's brings together some of the best flavors of Wisconsin and Illinois, serving everything from jumbo burgers and Chicago-style hot dogs to Italian beef, cheese curds, and frozen desserts made right in-house.
But there's more to this restaurant than burgers and ice cream.
For Dino and Jason, it's about honoring a place filled with Kenosha memories while creating new ones for families, friends, and visitors.
And with the holidays approaching, they're cooking up a little extra seasonal fun!
We caught up with the MelKat's duo to talk about Christmas treats, gift ideas, holiday traditions, a very memorable Nintendo, and why supporting local businesses matters now more than ever.
Two Friends, One Delicious Idea!
Tell us a little about yourselves and what makes MelKat's special.
"Dino Katris and Jason Melichar are the two proud owners of MelKat's! Both have served the community in different ways over the last 20 years and are proud to be part of Kenosha and what it has to offer."
The restaurant combines Dino's years of experience in the hospitality industry with Jason's passion for customer service and creating memorable experiences.
And the location itself has a special place in Kenosha history.
For generations, Shirl's Drive-In was a familiar stop for burgers and frozen treats. When Dino and Jason took over the property, they understood how much that history meant to the community.
Rather than forgetting the past, they wanted to build on it.
Today, MelKat's offers a fresh take on classic drive-in favorites, blending Dino's Illinois influences with Jason's Wisconsin roots.
Think Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, cheese curds, jumbo burgers, and plenty of frozen treats!
What can first-time visitors expect when walking through your doors?
"A warm, genuine welcome and some of Wisconsin and Illinois favorites. Our mural on the wall will take you through a little of our history and love for food and our food culture."
So while you're deciding what to order, take a moment to check out the mural and discover a little more about the people and inspiration behind MelKat's.
What do you love most about being part of the Kenosha community?
"The people. I always feel that Kenosha is a proud town and will be rooting in your corner when you are trying to do something good in the community."
And judging by the support they've received, Kenosha has certainly welcomed MelKat's with open arms!
It's Beginning to Taste a Lot Like Christmas!
When the holidays roll around, Dino and Jason aren't afraid to get creative with their menu.
And while you might associate frozen desserts with warmer weather, MelKat's is giving customers plenty of reasons to enjoy something cold during the most wonderful time of the year!
How does MelKat's get into the holiday spirit?
"Well, we make our own ice cream, gelato and sorbets. Currently we have our pumpkin treats like pumpkin gelato, pumpkin shakes and our pumpkin cheesecake polar blasts.
"For Christmas we are playing around with candy cane ice cream, snickerdoodle gelato and other fun Christmas treats with our frozen desserts. We also like to rotate in different food specials for the seasons too."
Candy cane ice cream? Snickerdoodle gelato?
Now those sound like some pretty sweet Christmas possibilities!
And because the team makes its frozen desserts in-house, there's plenty of room to experiment with new flavors and seasonal creations.
What makes MelKat's stand out during the holidays?
"I feel that our seasonal specials give a fun and interesting reason to visit us throughout the season. We are constantly updating our frozen desserts selections with new ideas and fun seasonal items.
"Also, being fast food/service, we can get you in and out quickly so you can go on with your day and enjoy some holiday shopping or festivities."
Whether you're grabbing lunch between shopping stops, treating the kids after a holiday outing, or satisfying a craving for something sweet, MelKat's makes it easy to add a delicious stop to your day.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving!
Still trying to figure out what to get that person who seems to have everything?
How about the gift of burgers, frozen treats, and a little bonus for yourself?
What holiday gift card specials should customers know about?
"Look out for our promotion on gift cards. Buy $50 gift card and get $10 (super cash) or buy $100 gift card and get $20 (super cash)."
That's right! Holiday gift card shoppers can look forward to a little something extra.
MelKat's Holiday Gift Card Promotion
- Purchase a $50 gift card and receive $10 in Super Cash.
- Purchase a $100 gift card and receive $20 in Super Cash.
Why do MelKat's gift cards make such a great holiday gift?
"Our gift card specials for the holidays can also be a gift for you and your recipient. When you buy a gift card, you get some bonus rewards that you can pass along or keep for yourself! The gift that keeps on giving!!"
And with a menu featuring everything from hearty burgers to homemade frozen desserts, there's something for just about everyone on your Christmas list.
Why should locals and visitors make MelKat's part of their holiday plans?
"MelKat's is a great gift idea for all ages. Our menu selections are great for everyone. From our jumbo burgers to our house made frozen desserts, we have everyone's favorites."
We'd say that's a pretty delicious reason to stop by!
A Little More Room for Holiday Cheer!
Dino and Jason aren't just dreaming up new menu items. They're also working on something that will make MelKat's an even more comfortable place to visit throughout the year.
What's new and exciting as we head toward 2027?
"YES! Our patio will be enclosed for the winter season. We are putting in garage doors for the patio, and it will have seating all year around for our guests to enjoy MelKat's!"
The planned four-season patio will allow customers to enjoy the space even when Wisconsin's winter weather arrives.
And when warmer temperatures return, the garage-style doors can open up to bring back that outdoor dining atmosphere.
A little more seating, a little more comfort, and more opportunities to make memories at MelKat's!
Christmas Vacation, Nintendo & a Little Holiday Nostalgia!
Of course, we couldn't talk about the holidays without getting to know Dino and Jason beyond the burgers and frozen treats.
And as it turns out, they've got some pretty great Christmas memories!
What's one of your favorite holiday traditions?
"Spontaneous dinners and meetings for drinks with family and friends."
Sometimes the best holiday moments aren't the ones you plan. They're the unexpected get-togethers that turn into great memories.
What's one holiday meal or treat you can't go without?
"Homemade breakfast after we open our Christmas presents on Christmas Day."
There's something special about slowing down on Christmas morning, opening presents, and enjoying a homemade breakfast with family.
And speaking of presents, one childhood gift stands out above the rest.
What's the most memorable Christmas gift you've ever received?
"Nintendo. When I was a kid, my parents didn't really have the money for things like that. When I got Nintendo, I didn't think it was real."
Now that's a Christmas memory that stays with you!
For anyone who remembers the excitement of unwrapping their very first Nintendo, you know exactly how magical that moment must have been.
What holiday movie and song instantly put you in the Christmas spirit?
"Movie: Christmas Vacation, and song: Happy Holiday (Andy Williams)."
A classic Christmas comedy and a little Andy Williams? Sounds like a pretty good combination!
You're stuck listening to one holiday song for 24 hours. What are you choosing?
"Andy Williams (holiday season)."
Well, at least we know what might be playing on repeat!
Real Christmas tree or artificial? White lights or colorful lights? Eggnog or hot chocolate?
"Artificial tree. Color lights get the spirit going and hot chocolate."
If you could invite any famous person, past or present, to Christmas dinner, who would it be?
"If Uncle Eddie was real, then he would be my guy."
Yes, THAT Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!
We're not sure what would be more entertaining: Christmas dinner with Cousin Eddie or watching him try to order at MelKat's!
Either way, we're guessing it would be a holiday nobody would forget.
A Little Holiday Love for Kenosha!
When Dino and Jason aren't busy serving customers, they enjoy exploring everything the Kenosha Area has to offer.
And when the holidays arrive, there's one place they especially enjoy.
Where's your favorite place in Kenosha to experience some holiday magic?
"Downtown of course. A lot of downtown businesses get involved with the holiday spirit and decorate their businesses inside and out. Grab a hot coffee, hot tea or a hot chocolate and walk the streets and see what everyone has to offer."
Between the decorated storefronts, holiday shopping, restaurants, and seasonal events, Downtown Kenosha offers plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit.
Where are you taking out-of-town family or friends to show off Kenosha?
"MelKat's and Mr. Yee's of course!"
We appreciate the enthusiasm!
And with Dino also involved in Mr. Yee's, it's no surprise that both restaurants make the list.
What's another local business or attraction you'd recommend this holiday season?
"For food, House of Gerhard is unique as well as floating into a number of awesome bars and restaurants we have downtown. Check in with Visit Kenosha for all the activities. The tree lighting ceremony is one of a kind downtown."
And they're right! There's no shortage of great places to eat, shop, and explore during the holidays.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have called Kenosha home for years, there's always something worth discovering.
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Keeping Kenosha Traditions Alive!
For Dino and Jason, opening MelKat's wasn't simply about starting another restaurant.
It was also about continuing the memories associated with a location that generations of Kenosha residents knew as Shirl's Drive-In.
As 2026 comes to a close, what are you most thankful for?
"Huge thank you to Kenosha Community for welcoming us into town and being so supportive. We are thankful that we found such a cool spot that had lots of memories for families when it was Shirls. We hope to continue with the memories and good food and frozen treats for everyone."
It's a sentiment that reflects what makes locally owned restaurants so special.
They're not just places to grab a meal. They're places where families gather, friends catch up, and traditions continue.
And Dino and Jason hope MelKat's becomes part of those memories for years to come.
Why is supporting local businesses especially important during the holidays?
"With everyone shopping online these days, we tend to forget that we can get the same things from some of our local businesses. There are so many unique shops in Kenosha that can be something different from all the rest of the gifts out there."
It's a reminder that some of the best gifts, meals, and experiences might be waiting right here in our own community.
Have a Delicious Holiday Season!
Before wrapping up our holiday conversation, Dino and Jason had one final message for Kenosha.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the community?
"SUPPORT LOCAL! More now than ever, our community needs you to shop, eat, and stay local this upcoming year."
And that's a message we can certainly get behind!
Whether you're stopping in for a jumbo burger, discovering a new seasonal frozen treat, picking up a holiday gift card, or simply making new memories at a familiar Kenosha location, MelKat's is ready to welcome you.
So this holiday season, take a break from the shopping, bring your appetite, and treat yourself to something delicious!
Because at MelKat's, the holidays are looking pretty sweet!
7943 Sheridan Road
Kenosha, WI 53143
(262) 420-4520
Holiday Gift Card Promotion: Buy a $50 gift card and receive $10 in Super Cash, or buy a $100 gift card and receive $20 in Super Cash. Watch for promotion details.
Coming Soon: A four-season enclosed patio for year-round dining.
Here's wishing everyone a holiday season filled with good food, great company, plenty of laughter, and maybe even a little snickerdoodle gelato!
SHOP SMALL. SUPPORT LOCAL.
LOVE KENOSHA!
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