Racing Toward a Legacy: Craig Pias, The Port of Kenosha, and the Bronze Al Molinaro Project

For more than 24 years, The Port of Kenosha Beverage House has been a second home to me. It’s where I’ve laughed with friends until closing time and watched punk rock bands tear up the tiny front room. It’s where my good friend (and Ktown Connects Podcast co-host) Jason Hedman and I host the annual Port Grand Prix, where we once organized an Al Molinaro statue poker-bar-run fundraiser, where I’ve gone “shaking for shots,” and even where I met my son’s mother—battling it out over pinball.

I’ll admit, I’ve also been guilty of queuing up Pearl Jam on the jukebox just to get under Craig’s skin.

But The Port isn’t just a bar—it’s a piece of Kenosha’s core. As Craig puts it, “The Port’s always been known as ‘the punk bar.’ It reminds me of Obi-Wan describing the Tatooine cantina: ‘You’ll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.’” And yet, as he always tells newcomers: “Come with an open mind and a good attitude, and you’ll have a good time. Act like (a jerk) and you’ll be asked to leave.”

That’s the beauty of The Port: it’s gritty, it’s real, and it’s welcoming. Sitting down with Craig to talk about the bar’s legacy and his mission to bring a Bronze Al Molinaro statue to Kenosha felt less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend at the place where so many of my own stories begin.

Bronze Al Molinaro Statue Fundraiser

Visit Kenosha: What inspired you to start the fundraiser for a bronze statue of Al Molinaro?
Craig: Keith Pauley made a post on Facebook, asking everyone's opinion on if there was a statue to be erected of a local Kenosha celebrity, who should it be? Among some answers were Don Ameche, Daniel J. Travanti, and Orson Welles. My vote, and the majority of votes, went to Al Molinaro. Since the city could've done something about it in the past 5 decades or so but didn't, I made the decision to pick up the baton & run with it.

Visit Kenosha: How did the idea evolve from a casual conversation to an active fundraising campaign?
Craig: Bartending at The Port, I brought the idea up to my regulars, who all fully gave their support & offered ways to raise money for the project. It snowballed into a full movement.

Visit Kenosha: Can you share your experience speaking with Al Molinaro's widow, Betty, about the project?
Craig: When I contacted Betty, I was a bit nervous. How do I convince a woman in her 80s that I'm not a scammer or some random lunatic when proposing my idea? She was understandably a bit apprehensive at first, but after quizzing me a little about what she remembered of Kenosha (she lives out in Glendale, California), I gained her trust, and we wound up bantering for over an hour. She's a peach. After going into details about the statue idea & assuring her my intentions weren't steered at asking for any money out of her, but rather to acquire the funds myself, she wholeheartedly gave me her permission and wished me luck on the project.

Visit Kenosha: Why do you believe Al Molinaro deserves a statue in Kenosha?
Craig: The more I started delving into Al's life story as well as reading stories from his friends & family, the more I realized how much of a genuinely nice man he was: a loyal husband, devoted father, a humble & kind human being all-around. He was such a (self-proclaimed) 'square' that he refused to take any acting roles where he would be required to cuss. And who can forget his coming back to Kenosha every year to make appearances at Cohorama (an event that used to take place in Kenosha), always with that big grin on his face? He struck me as that nice next-door neighbor, or that great teacher everyone had in school, or that fun uncle you'd hope would be at the next family reunion.

Visit Kenosha: What has been the community's response to the fundraising efforts so far?
Craig: Nothing but positive. Every now & then, a random person will approach me in public & ask, "Are you the one doing the Al statue?" & add their positive support. Sometimes they'll add on, "Well, it's about TIME someone did something like that!"

Visit Kenosha: How much have you raised toward the $65,000 goal, and what are the next steps?
Craig: As of this moment, I'm roughly $13,000 short of the goal. The statue should be completed in the spring of 2026, so I've gotta hustle! The upcoming Port Grand Prix (September 14th) is always great for the fundraiser. Some local bands have volunteered free shows at The Port to help the cause. I've also been holding 50/50 raffles, with most people generously donating their winnings to get closer to the financial goal. Also, Al Molinaro t-shirts are for sale at The Lettering Machine (located across the street from The Port) - theletteringmachine.com/the_port. It's slow but steady.

Visit Kenosha: Can you tell us about the artist Bee Krueger and why you chose them for this project?
Craig: Bee Krueger is a UW Whitewater alum, graduating with a fine arts degree. They are proficient with many art mediums, including clay sculpting. When the idea for the statue arose, they stepped up immediately with wanting to create it. After they sculpted a 1-foot-tall figure of Al, I was sold—it was so spot-on!

Visit Kenosha: How can people contribute to the fundraiser?
Craig: Contributions are welcome in a few ways: sending them through the mail to 714 50th St., Kenosha, WI 53140, through the GoFundMe found on the website theportofkenosha.com, or simply strolling into The Port (my bartenders know what to do). Every bit helps!

Visit Kenosha: Where exactly do you envision the statue of Al Molinaro being placed, and what would it mean to have it outside The Port?
Craig: I plan to remove one of the two crabapple trees in front of the bar (the west one), pave the existing grass, & remove the picket sidewalk fencing. This way, people off the street can get close to & take pictures of the statue. In time, I imagine Al's nose will be the shiniest part, with people rubbing it for luck. What does it mean for The Port? Nothing really; I just wanted to give Kenosha tourists & natives another highlight for the city to be proud of & talked about—it'll just happen to be in front of my bar.

Visit Kenosha: Why do you think Happy Days and Al Molinaro still resonate with people today, especially in Kenosha?
Craig: Al Molinaro was a born & raised Kenoshan—our city (especially the baby boomers & Gen Xers) will always remember his roots. Happy Days was based in Milwaukee, and Kenosha is mentioned a few times in a couple episodes—many local people will always see that as a "Hey, that's us! We're recognized on national TV!" thing. It's just like in the movie Home Alone, when John Candy's character says his polka band's name is the Kenosha Kickers—most people from here smile at things like that, including myself.

Visit Kenosha: Is there a design or pose for the statue in mind already? Maybe him saying “Yup Yup Yup” or wearing his Arnold’s apron?
Craig: Bee (Krueger) & I both agreed on a simple pose for Al: him standing with that humble smile he had, with his arms crossed. He will not be sporting an apron, only because we did not want to depict him as his Happy Days character, Al Devecchio (to avoid possible copyright issues).

Visit Kenosha: What do you think Al himself would say about this whole thing?
Craig: Haha—I could imagine him saying, "Oh come on—really? Get out of here!" with his friendly, humble attitude & a big smile on his face.

Visit Kenosha: You’ve got a GoFundMe, merch, and now events like the Grand Prix—how important has creativity been in keeping the fundraising momentum going?
Craig: A bit exhausting at times. Believe me, it takes a village to come up with & help carry out fundraising ideas & tasks; I couldn't and haven't done this all by myself. Our think-tank constantly questions ourselves: 'Will this idea work?' 'Would there be interest in this?' 'Would this plan or event alienate anyone?' 'Does this date conflict with some other event going on in Kenosha at the same time?' and so on.

Visit Kenosha: What’s the timeline for unveiling Bronze Al if all goes according to plan? Any dream ceremony ideas?
Craig: There isn't a specific date set for the unveiling just yet. Bee only recently hauled their clay model out to Colorado (where the foundry doing the casting/bronzing is located). The foundry said it will take roughly 6 months for completion, so all we can give is a rough timeframe: spring of 2026. Hopefully, it WILL be a big deal!

Visit Kenosha: Do you think the statue could become a Kenosha landmark or tourism draw?
Craig: Yup, that's one of the main points of this whole thing. I can only imagine how many people go out of their way to see the Bronze Fonz in Milwaukee; I would hope Al does the same!

Visit Kenosha: How do you think it will feel the day the statue goes up?
Craig: Butterflies in my stomach. I want everyone who helped contribute to the statue project to be standing right next to me. I want them to share in the moment when we finally get the statue in place.

The Port Grand Prix: Fundraiser Meets Fun

Two event photos by Gregory Zgorzelski

Visit Kenosha: Why did you decide to tie the Grand Prix in with fundraising for Bronze Al this year?
Craig: Since I'm close to the statue's financial goal (but still a bit short), I'm hoping the race will boost the fundraising to the finish line… pun fully intended.

Visit Kenosha: For those who’ve never been—what is the Port Grand Prix and why is it such a hit?
Craig: It's my annual event to bring out the little kid in everyone! We set up a 90-ft. straight racetrack, complete with an electric starting gate, finish line, and timing system. All the official rules can be found on the Facebook event page. The race is a simple winner-take-all event for trophies, and for the grand champion, it means they get their name up on the perpetual champions plaque behind the bar! The Port property is cordoned off so patrons may drink outside, and we set up a grill in the backyard for food to be purchased. Old or young, everyone that has attended a race in the past has had a great time.

Visit Kenosha: How did the event come to be? What was year one like?
Craig: The concept came about once upon a time 5 years ago, on a slow winter afternoon when I was bartending at The Port. I and 2 regulars were reminiscing about toys we had as children. When Hot Wheels was brought up, every one of us had countless stories about our best cars. Then, the fateful words were said: "I bet MY car would've beat YOUR car…". From that simple statement, a domino effect started, and the rest is history. The first year was like a pig on roller skates, but it worked. From there, we realized mistakes we made & thought of more to add for the next year's race. We still haven't perfected it, but we get closer every year!

Visit Kenosha: How has the event evolved over the past five years?
Craig: The first track construct was pretty basic: one end of a 25-ft. long plank of scaffolding was hoisted up 8 ft. from the ground, with Hot Wheels track coming down it to the ground & running from the garage all the way to the sidewalk (about 90 ft.). In the years after, we've made modifications, and now a 50-ft. track of galvanized steel replaced everything, giving the track some transition from start to finish. The engineer who wires up the start & finish gates does the same: he keeps tweaking his inventions until more perfection is reached. We all should get our heads checked.

Visit Kenosha: How do people enter the Hot Wheels tournament? Is it all ages? Competitive? Costumes involved?
Craig: In the past 4 years that we've been holding the race, there's been an average of 90-100 entrants per year. Only one car is allowed per person, so you can imagine how surprised my helpful crew and I were when that many people wanted to enter that first year! All ages are welcome—I’ve seen 8-year-olds & 60-year-olds get equally excited watching cars fly down the track. It's a hoot. Some are more competitive than others & trash-talk is ALWAYS afoot during the race, but it's all friendly and in good-spirited fun.

Visit Kenosha: What are the prizes or bragging rights at stake for Grand Prix winners?
Craig: When the race starts, all cars will be run 4 at a time. The first & second place cars will then be placed in the "A" division, with the third & fourth place cars being placed in the "B" division. Divisions A & B heats will then be run, one after another, with the third & fourth place cars being eliminated with each individual race (a.k.a. "sudden death"). The top 3 cars in each division receive trophies, the grand champion gets a special trophy, and the fastest & slowest cars each get trophies as well. Also, the grand champion gets their name up on the perpetual plaque behind the bar! Ah… immortalization.

Visit Kenosha: How much of the event’s proceeds go toward the statue, and do you have a goal in mind for how much you’d like to raise through this year’s event?
Craig: All profits from t-shirt sales & food sales, as well as race car entry fees, go toward the statue fund. In the past, the Port Grand Prix event (on average) will raise up to $3,000-$4,000. Fingers crossed that this year will be no different.

Owning and Operating The Port

Visit Kenosha: What motivated you to purchase The Port of Kenosha Beverage House?
Craig: After being employed at The Port for 16 years, I wasn't in the mood to go out and find another job. I already knew the ins & outs of the place & thought not having a boss to answer to anymore sounded like a not-too-shabby thought.

Visit Kenosha: Can you describe the journey from acquiring the bar to where it is today?
Craig: When I turned 21, my friends brought me there saying, "You've gotta go to this one bar—you'll love it!" They were right. After checking out countless other bars in the following weeks, I always kept saying, "Let's go back to that Port place..."

After steadily becoming a regular there within a few years, the second owner (Dan Nicolazzi) asked, "Why don't you just get a job here?" I told him I never bartended before & didn't have a bartending license. He responded, "You'll learn. Go get a license."

After working for Dan for 16 years, he said he was ready to give it all up & that if I wanted to buy The Port, I'd get the first shot at it. After securing a down payment loan & a lot of red tape, I finally took over & reopened the doors on Friday, February 7th, 2014.

Visit Kenosha: What are some challenges you’ve faced running a bar in Kenosha?
Craig: Probably my biggest challenge with owning the place is the constant need for things to be fixed, structure-wise. The building itself was constructed in 1895 & in some ways it's built like a tank. But inevitably, something's going to need to be repaired or replaced… it's only a matter of time, and whether I have the money for it. I suppose it's more of a struggle than a challenge, but that's the answer you're going to get.

Behind the Bar – Personal & Fun

Visit Kenosha: Is there a favorite drink or shot that’s become a staple at The Port?
Craig: We aren't really known for any special drinks—the Port has always been a basic "beer & shot bar." If you stop in on a Saturday afternoon, Michelle whips up a helluva Old Fashioned!

Visit Kenosha: What’s the story behind the bar’s unique decor and memorabilia?
Craig: Haha—we'd need a Ouija board to contact Jon Madison from the dead to answer that question. I heard when he opened the bar in 1985 that he pretty much used all his decor from his apartment to deck out the place. A lot of his friends & regulars added stuff they'd find at flea markets & such until the place was filled with complete randomness. It still happens; regulars bring in stuff to hang up. Someone once described the bar as "a frat house meets a garage sale." I couldn't describe it better than that.

Visit Kenosha: What’s the most unusual request you’ve received from a patron?
Craig: A girl who used to be a regular before she moved away suggested I change everything about The Port right when I took over. Included with her advice were curtains, couches, those stupid tall tables for patrons to stand around (no seats), taking down all the random decor, bright track lighting, etc. She got offended when I laughed… and laughed.

Visit Kenosha: If you could have any celebrity visit The Port, who would it be and why?
Craig: I don't know… how about Jennifer Lawrence? She seems to have a personality that would mesh well with The Port vibe. That, & I heard she isn't a sissy when it comes to drinking!

Visit Kenosha: Can you share a funny or unexpected moment that happened during your time as owner?
Craig: Jeez, where would I start? Here's one that makes me laugh every time I think about it. Years ago on a Saturday night, whoever I was bartending with and I were discussing last call soon, at 2:10am. Overhearing this, an older guy (probably late 60s) asked his drinking buddy what time it was. His friend kept squinting at his analog watch until he said, "It's either 10 after 2, or one of the hands of the watch fell off." They had no clue why I found that so hilarious.

Visit Kenosha: What’s next for The Port—any exciting plans or changes on the horizon?
Craig: Nope. The Port will never change! (In the good way)

Live Music at The Port

Visit Kenosha: You’ve built a reputation for booking some really great live music—what’s your approach when booking bands for The Port?
Craig: That's the thing—I never approach bands; rather, they approach me about setting up gigs. This makes my life a bit easier. At times we won't have music for a week or two, and then other times, every weekend is booked up for months. I'm grateful the more popular, great bands WANT to come play The Port!

Visit Kenosha: What kind of vibe are you looking for when it comes to live acts at the bar?
Craig: I'm good with any bands that don't create angry vibes, meaning the place won't be filled with people looking for a fight to start. Everyone having a good time is welcome; jerks must leave.

Visit Kenosha: Are there any memorable shows that really stand out in The Port’s history?
Craig: Zander from The Circle Jerks played the Port a few years ago. It was pretty cool to have a legend in the place. Also, Goat & Your Mom played one night. That was an insane show.

Visit Kenosha: Any dream band or performer you'd love to have play The Port someday?
Craig: Wow, there’s way too many to choose from with that question. How about Weird Al Yankovic? Haha

The Great Pearl Jam Debate

Visit Kenosha: Alright, let’s talk about it—what exactly did Pearl Jam do to you, Craig?
Craig: Eddie Vedder made me strain my ears, trying to figure out what the hell he was singing. Was it even in English? Did he stuff a sock in his mouth before hitting the RECORD button?

Visit Kenosha: Is there a specific song or moment that triggered the anti-PJ movement, or is it just general principle?
Craig: General principle. That, and because Pearl Jam got so popular, trying to avoid hearing that mumble-screaming was a futile task. It was dark times for PJ haters like myself.

Visit Kenosha: Have you ever accidentally let a Pearl Jam song slip through on the jukebox?
Craig: I didn't block them from the jukebox, but it's (thankfully) few & far between with patrons playing any of their songs. I can usually just tune out any music I don't care for in my mind, but PJ is like a dull, garbled ice pick, drilling straight into my brain stem.

The Port's Impact on Kenosha

Visit Kenosha: What kind of influence do you think The Port has had on the downtown Kenosha scene?
Craig: I'm not sure that we DO have any influence? I mean, different venues have different themes & vibes, and it usually comes down to "birds of a feather" matching with bands & bars. Obviously, The Port attracts more of the punk scene, but not too many surrounding bars really adopt it like we do.

Visit Kenosha: What do you hope people take away from their experience when they spend time at The Port?
Craig: I hope most tourists leave happy, going back to where they call home & telling others about a fun night in a house converted to a bar; a bar where everyone is welcome, as long as you don't act like a (jerk).

Visit Kenosha: Do you see The Port’s legacy as more than just drinks and good times—maybe as part of Kenosha’s punk rock culture?
Craig: Indeed. And in a couple months, that legacy will also include an Al Molinaro statue!

Visit Kenosha: What would you say to someone who’s never been to The Port before? Why should they come?
Craig: Come with an open mind and a good attitude, and you'll have a good time with others like yourself. Act like (a jerk) & you'll be treated as such, and be asked to leave.

Leaving The Port after this conversation, I couldn’t help but think about how much Craig and the Port really mean to Kenosha. From punk shows to the Port Grand Prix, from a strong pour to Johnny Rainbow showing up every day right at 3PM, The Port has always been more than just a watering hole. It’s a community hub for the those who chose to live life by their own rules. Craig says it best: “I just wanted to give Kenosha tourists and natives another highlight to be proud of; it’ll just happen to be in front of my bar.”

And now, with the Bronze Al statue on the horizon, The Port’s legacy will stretch beyond late nights and inside jokes. It’ll become part of Kenosha’s cultural story, something people will visit and smile at for decades to come. In Craig’s words, “The Port will never change! (In the good way).” Whether you’re a regular, a tourist, or just someone looking for a place where everyone’s welcome—so long as you’re not a jerk—The Port is Kenosha through and through.

***FROM THE VISIT KENOSHA ARCHIVES: An Interview With Al Molinaro***

Our organization interviewed Al Molinaro in 2000. Below is the article that staff member Meridith Jumisko wrote for our tourism partner newsletter, after talking to Al over the phone.

An Interview with “Happy Days” Al

In past years the Kenosha Area Visitors Guide has mentioned that Al Molinaro, who ran Arnold’s diner in TV’s Happy Days is from Kenosha. This year the goal was to get his permission to have his picture placed in the official Visitors Guide. Gaining that permission and an interview from Al himself, rather than his publicist, was accomplished. While you’ll have to wait for the 2001 Visitors Guide to see the picture, here is part of the conversation Meridith had with Al.

Al lived in Kenosha until he was 21 or 22 years old. He said he left Kenosha in his prime. He was working for the city when he took off for California. A buddy talked him into being an actor – “I never dreamed of being an actor.” It took another 20 years until he would become famous, first in The Odd Couple.

As for Happy Days, “I enjoyed it.” He said the people he worked with were wonderful. “Henry (Winkler who played “Fonzie”) was probably the nicest person I met in my life.” Al said he is a considerate, sweet man.

Al is no longer accepting acting roles, but he is still starring in On-Cor TV dinner commercials as he has been for the past 11 years. He is now writing a book which is a collection of short stories, mainly autobiographical about the people he has met in his life, including people from Kenosha.

“The people. That’s what I like about Kenosha. It’s just a joy to come back there. I really miss the town.” He enjoys walking up and down the old streets when he visits. He hopes to come to town again very soon.

Sadly, Al Molinaro passed away in 2015.

Visit The Port, attend the event, support the Bronze Al Molinaro Project!

Location: 714 50th Street in Downtown Kenosha
Website: theportofkenosha.com
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immortalizing-kenosha-legend-al-molinaro
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