Station on 6th: Where Good Times Are Always on Duty

Downtown Kenosha just got a whole lot hotter – and we’re not just talking about the drinks. Station on 6th is the new firehouse-themed bar that’s blazing a trail with its warm atmosphere and strong community spirit. This place is truly on fire when it comes to honoring local firefighters and bringing people together. With a crew of family and friends behind the bar, Station on 6th is ready to hose down your thirst and rescue your night with great drinks, games, and good vibes.

Meet the Team Behind Station on 6th

Emily Sturino wears many hats: co-owner, social media and marketing lead at Station on 6th, and also deeply involved with Magnolia Bridal Boutique and Wine Knot. “I’m always working behind the scenes,” Emily explains. “Building our social media and marketing, while managing two other jobs... It’s a lot, but I love being part of this community in so many ways.” At the bar, Emily makes sure every guest feels at home. “One of the biggest compliments I hear is that it feels like hanging out at a friend’s house.”

Jenny Knecht, another co-owner, cherishes the family connection that fuels the bar. “I love having my boys there with me – never thought we’d all be bartending together!” Jenny laughs. Her roots in firefighting run deep: “My grandfather, John Joseph Murphy, worked at the old Station 5, known as the Emerald Palace. We have two of his helmets and his bunker boots on display. Family members come from far to see them.”

Quinn Knecht brings energy and family pride to Station on 6th. “My proudest moment was our Grand Opening, seeing family, friends, and the community come out to support us was amazing,” Quinn recalls. His dedication helps keep the bar’s authenticity alive, with firefighters from across the region stopping in to share stories.

Jenni Zoerner blends creativity and hospitality behind the scenes. Outside the bar, she’s a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Power Realty and Magnolia Bridal Boutique co-owner. “This bar is more than a theme, it’s a tribute to those who protect and serve,” Jenni explains. “We want to keep that spirit alive through everything we do.”

At the center of the firefighter theme is Mike Zoerner, a proud Lieutenant on Kenosha’s Fire Department for over 35 years. “I thought a firefighter-themed bar would work well downtown since there’s nothing like it here,” Mike notes. “We have my original gear, plus patches and helmets from our partners’ ancestors, it really ties us all together.” He adds that memorabilia comes from all over, allowing the collection to stay fresh and meaningful. His simple philosophy sums up his role: “Just be helpful.”

The unique strength of Station on 6th comes from its ownership – eight people, many families, who bring different skills and ideas to the table: Quinn Knecht, Drew Knecht, Eric Raudales, Emily Sturino, McKayla Sturino, Jenny Knecht, Jenni Zoerner, and Mike Zoerner. “With eight owners, we have a lot of ideas, but at the end of the day, we’re one big family,” Quinn says. Jenni adds, “There’s a strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect. While family-owned, our partners feel like family too. We collaborate and trust each other – working toward the same goal.” This collective energy fuels every decision and event at the bar.

The Décor

The décor at Station on 6th was designed with heart and history. “We really tried to make it look like you’ve walked into the firehouse,” Jenny explains. “From the markings on the bay floor to the antique fire extinguisher lights hand-made by Mike hanging over the bar, everything was made with thoughtful intention to honor our firefighters past and present.” Industrial touches like diamond plate accents, fire hydrant pub tables, and custom tabletops with the bar’s logo add to the immersive experience.

Two standout features hold special meaning:

The Red Line flag, which includes a red fire hose from the family of a fallen Illinois firefighter. “Honoring his memory this way means so much to us,” Jenni says.

The gear wall, displaying decades of firefighting equipment including Mike’s original gear and emblems from Kenosha’s historic fire trucks like the locally made Pirsch fire truck plate.

Mike shares the ongoing mission: “We continuously receive gear, patches, and memorabilia from firemen and departments from all over. We rotate the items, so each piece gets proper attention. It’s not just décor  –  it’s a tribute.” Jenny adds: “At the Isset’s Fire in 1964, my grandfather suffered a heart attack but returned to work as a firefighter until his retirement. Having his helmets and bunker boots here connects us all to that legacy.”

The Atmosphere

Station on 6th brings the firefighting spirit to life with interactive traditions:

The Bell: Ring it and you buy everyone a house shot – a crowd favorite.

Spinning Wheel: Win prizes like free shots, koozies, and more, with certain spots encouraging donations to the “fire boot” charity box supporting local causes.

Games: From “Shut the Box” to other classic bar games, there’s always friendly competition.

The drinks are as memorable as the atmosphere. The “Let’s Knecht” cocktail, a root beer float-inspired drink, started as a family favorite. “People are always surprised it tastes like a root beer barrel,” Quinn says. The team creates and names cocktails together – popular picks include McKayla’s “Black Hammer” espresso martini, Jenny’s “Newton,” and Mike’s personal favorite, “The TMZ.”

Since opening, Station on 6th has embraced the Kenosha nightlife with live music, Euchre tournaments, trivia nights, and fantasy football draft parties, complete with a whiteboard and TV hookups. “Live music once a month, like Stu the Piano Guy,” Mike notes. Plans are underway to expand the food menu with fire department-themed specials that tie back to the bar’s roots.

Supporting the Community

The owners are passionate about supporting the community. “We work closely with our local fire department and C.A.R.E., supporting them whenever possible,” Jenni says. Mike adds, “We include a fire boot on the bar tied to the spinning wheel, donations go to local charities chosen by the bar.” Dream events include closing down 6th Avenue for a block party headlined by Bella Cain, plus firefighter challenge games and a firefighter calendar to help support local charities.

(Kenosha Firefighters C.A.R.E. is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to individuals and organizations in the community during times of hardship, loss or other unmet needs.)

Station on 6th has been warmly welcomed by downtown businesses. “Everyone’s been so helpful and supportive,” Jenny says. Rick from Tavern on 6th even lent umbrellas while they waited for theirs – “a very nice gesture.” Mike sums it up: “We wanted to be part of downtown because we love the area. Other business owners work together to make everyone successful and that feeling is important.”

The team’s goal is simple: keep growing, keep connecting, and keep the bar lively. “We don’t want to get stagnant, we want every visit to be an experience,” Mike explains.

So, what’s it like to spend an evening at Station on 6th? Quinn puts it plainly: “It’s THE place to hang out with family or friends – great atmosphere, sports always on, and a welcoming vibe.” Emily adds, “We want guests to love our bar and feel so welcome they want to come back again and again.”

And if Station on 6th had a motto? As Jenny Knecht proudly shares: “Where good times are always on duty.”

Station on 6th isn’t just a beautiful spot – it’s a true tribute to the firefighters who serve our community, blending bravery and brotherhood into every detail. It’s a place where friends, family, and neighbors come together to celebrate, relax, and feel connected to something bigger. If you haven’t stopped by yet, now’s the perfect time to!

Station on 6th:

Located at 5703 6th Avenue

For More Information:

stationon6th.com

 (262) 484-4112

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(Big thanks to Emily Sturino for making this interview happen and for all the behind-the-scenes work she does. THANK YOU!)