Momentous Milestones for Kenosha Businesses and Attractions

We have some significant milestones to recognize this year in the Kenosha Area. These are businesses and attractions that are celebrating decades of hard work and determination … places that have a loyal following of customers and event attendees to have made it this far! May there be many more successful decades ahead! We thank the owners, families, employees, volunteers, board members, supporters, and customers that make this longevity possible.

You’ll find that Kenosha is full of LOCALLY owned businesses – many that are multigenerational, family owned! Among those with momentous milestones in 2025:

135 Years: Thompson Farm

While Thompson Farm was established in 1890, the Thompson family has been in Kenosha County for 150+ years. In 1839, William A. Stetson and his family arrived from New York by ox cart to start a family farm. The first strawberries were planted in 1928. While the location has changed and the offerings have expanded, the seventh-generation family business continues to give families a fun farm experience. There are U-Pick strawberry, sunflower, raspberry, and pumpkin seasons - as well as a seasonal adventure farm!

135 Years: DeBerge's Framing & Gallery LLC

DeBerge's Framing & Gallery LLC was established in 1890 by Henry W. DeBerge. It’s now owned by his great-granddaughters, sisters Barb DeBerge-Henken and Kim DeBerge. The shop offers custom designs for all your framing needs, as well as American-made, eco-friendly, and handcrafted gifts. Trust, quality, and attention to detail are the keys to the family’s lasting legacy in the community.

95 Years: Uke’s Harley-Davidson®

Uke’s Harley-Davidson® is a locally owned, multigenerational family business; it’s also Wisconsin’s oldest Harley-Davidson® dealership. Uke’s opened in 1930 during the Depression when Frank (Uke) Ulicki, at age 22, bought an existing dealership in Kenosha. On Uke’s first day in business, April 1, 1930, he sold one bolt for 4 cents. Enjoy the on-site museum of Uke’s history.

85 Years: Kenosha Symphony Orchestra

The Kenosha Symphony Orchestra was established with help from the City of Kenosha’s Recreation Department. In the 1990s, the orchestra became an independent nonprofit organization. The organization strives to provide a bridge between the community and the arts. The 2024-2025 concert season is its 85th season; the May 10, 2025 concert will take you on a musical journey through the Italian countryside.

80 Years: The Spot Drive-In

The Spot Drive-In has been serving the Kenosha Area since July 4, 1945, when Harold and Janet DuBois opened the restaurant. While the original family has retired from the business, this drive-in has generations of loyal customers and continues to provide year-round car hop service. In recent years, an ordering app has been launched and meatless items have been added to the menu.

75 Years: Tenuta's Delicatessen and Liquors

Tenuta's Delicatessen and Liquors is a fourth-generation family business. The Italian market has been a Kenosha tradition since 1950. In 1920, John N. Tenuta left Italy to seek his fortune in the United States. His dream was to open his own business and that dream was realized when he opened a small corner store on April 1, 1950. Since then, the store has expanded over the years.

75 Years: Wilmot Raceway

The 75th season of racing in Wilmot starts in May. Now at its second track since first opening, Wilmot Raceway at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds features car races, tractor pulls, monster truck events, and more on a 3/8-mile clay, semi-banked oval track. Pit passes are available on race days. New last year, there’s a campground at the fairgrounds.

50 Years: Jerry Smith Farm

Jerry Smith Farm was founded in 1975 by Rosemary and Jerry Smith. Joe and Amy Smith have expanded the pumpkin farm operation to include an activities area, a holiday light walk, a sweet corn festival, sunflower fields, and more. A third generation is now involved with the business, and generations of families visit the farm for the homegrown produce, hand-painted pumpkin displays, and entertainment.

And that's not all!

• The Kenosha YMCA dates back to November of 1930 when the organization first opened its doors and was dedicated to public service. That makes the organization 95 years old this year!
• Historic Simmons Field, the home field of the Kenosha Kingfish baseball team, is 105 years old this year. Many teams have called Simmons Field home since it opened in 1920, including the Kenosha Twins – a minor league team – and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League team Kenosha Comets.
• Chiappetta Shoes has its 104th Anniversary Sale going on April 2-19, 2025.
• 2025 is the 175th anniversary of the City of Kenosha. On February 8, 1850, the Charter of the City of Kenosha was approved by Governor Nelson Dewey. See the "Kenosha: 175 Years of a City" exhibit at the Kenosha History Center through April 2025.

Congrats and thank you to these businesses and attractions – as well as all the others that have chosen to call Kenosha home!

When in the Kenosha Area … Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local!