From A Christmas Story decorations and festive cocktails to a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Dino Katris and Ken Miller are serving up a little holiday nostalgia at one of Downtown Kenosha's most beloved restaurants!
Oh, fudge! The holidays are here, and things are getting festive at Mr. Yee's in Downtown Kenosha!
And no, you won't need a Red Ryder BB gun to enjoy this Christmas story. Just bring your appetite, your holiday spirit, and maybe a few friends or family members!
Meet Dino Katris and Ken Miller, the owners of Mr. Yee's, formerly known as Yee's Oriental Inn, a longtime Kenosha favorite with a history dating back to 1955.
When Dino and Ken purchased the restaurant from the Yee family, they weren't just taking over a business. They were becoming part of a Kenosha tradition that has been bringing people together for more than 70 years.
Today, the restaurant continues serving the recipes generations of customers have come to love, while adding a few new touches of its own.
And when the holidays arrive, things get especially fun!
We caught up with Dino and Ken to talk about Christmas traditions, holiday gift ideas, Downtown Kenosha, and why Mr. Yee's might just be the perfect place to celebrate the season.
A Kenosha Tradition Worth Preserving!
Tell us a little about yourselves and what makes Mr. Yee's special.
"We are Mr. Yee's Chinese restaurant. Dino Katris and Ken Miller purchased the business (formerly called Yee's Oriental Inn) from the family. We have preserved their recipes and traditions that they have kept for over 70 years here in Kenosha."
The story of Yee's began in 1955, when Robert and May Yee came to Kenosha and opened what would become one of the city's most recognizable restaurants.
Over the decades, generations of families made memories over familiar dishes, celebrated special occasions, and developed a love for the restaurant's classic recipes.
When Dino and Ken took over, preserving that history was a priority.
Working with the Yee family, they kept longtime favorites like the original egg rolls, chop suey, sub gum, sweet-and-sour dishes, and that famous hot mustard on the menu.
And while some things have changed, much of what makes Mr. Yee's special remains wonderfully familiar.
What can someone expect when visiting Mr. Yee's for the first time?
"You will feel like you were teleported back in time to the 1960s and 70s. We have kept a lot of the old look and feel. We have slowly been making some updates but will continue to preserve the original vibe of the restaurant."
From the nostalgic dining room and familiar décor to the recipes that have stood the test of time, visiting Mr. Yee's is a little like stepping into a piece of Kenosha history.
And that's exactly how Dino and Ken want it!
Oh, Fudge! It's Christmas at Mr. Yee's!
If you've ever watched the holiday classic A Christmas Story, you know that Christmas can be filled with unexpected surprises, memorable characters, and plenty of laughs.
And this year, Mr. Yee's is bringing some of that movie magic to Downtown Kenosha!
How does Mr. Yee's get into the holiday spirit?
"We plan to decorate our windows and inside the restaurant. We are once again going with 'A Christmas Story' theme and will have some fun decorations to showcase this in addition to a themed drink menu!"
That's right! The restaurant is bringing back its A Christmas Story holiday theme, complete with festive decorations and specially themed cocktails.
So whether you're a fan of Ralphie, the famous leg lamp, or simply love a good Christmas movie, this sounds like a fun stop during the holiday season!
Santa, Mrs. Claus & Kids Eat Free at Mr. Yee's!
Dino and Ken must have some pretty good connections at the North Pole because Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a special stop at Mr. Yee's this holiday season!
And they're bringing a little something extra for families!
Saturday, December 12, 2026 | Noon–2 PM
Bring the kids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and make some holiday memories at this Downtown Kenosha favorite.
Plus, Kids Eat Free!
During the event, receive one FREE kids' meal from the kids' menu with every adult entrée purchased!
The offer is valid Saturday, December 12, from Noon–2 PM.
Between the A Christmas Story-themed decorations, holiday drinks, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a delicious meal, Mr. Yee's is making it easy to enjoy a little family fun this Christmas season!
A Little Extra Fortune for the Holidays!
Looking for a gift that doesn't require guessing someone's size, favorite color, or whether they already own three of the same thing?
How about the gift of a delicious meal at Mr. Yee's?
What holiday specials should customers know about?
"We have our gift card promotion that we run from the day after Thanksgiving to the end of the year."
And this year, holiday shoppers can enjoy a little bonus fortune!
Mr. Yee's Holiday Gift Card Promotion
Available November 27–December 31, 2026:
- Buy $50 in gift cards and receive $10 in Mr. Yee's Fortune.
- Buy $100 in gift cards and receive $25 in Mr. Yee's Fortune.
Whether you're shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or someone who loves Chinese food, a Mr. Yee's gift card makes a great holiday surprise.
And with a little extra Mr. Yee's Fortune included, there's even more reason to celebrate!
Why should locals and visitors make Mr. Yee's part of their holiday dining plans?
"Chinese food screams Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is the perfect seasonal comfort food."
We certainly won't argue with that!
Sometimes, after a long day of shopping, decorating, or celebrating, nothing sounds better than sitting down to a delicious meal and letting someone else do the cooking.
What makes Mr. Yee's stand out during the holidays?
"Being the only Chinese restaurant in the Downtown Kenosha area sets us apart from the offerings near us. We are also one of the only sit-down Chinese restaurants in Kenosha that has full service and a full bar."
Whether you're planning a holiday get-together, meeting friends for dinner, or stopping in for a seasonal cocktail, Mr. Yee's offers a unique dining experience in Downtown Kenosha.
A Very Griswold Christmas!
Of course, we couldn't let Dino and Ken get away without answering a few fun holiday questions!
And considering their love for A Christmas Story, we were curious about what other holiday favorites make their list.
What's one holiday food you absolutely cannot go without?
"Prime rib and baked potatoes."
A classic holiday dinner!
What Christmas song instantly puts you in the holiday spirit?
"Mariah Carey, 'All I Want for Christmas Is You.'"
Well, it wouldn't be Christmas without hearing that one at least a few dozen times!
You're stuck listening to one holiday song for 24 hours. What's your choice?
"'It's the Holiday Season' by Andy Williams."
Another Christmas classic!
Are you decorating in October, or waiting until after Thanksgiving?
"The day after Thanksgiving."
Just in time to get the restaurant ready for a festive holiday season!
What's your holiday personality: Clark Griswold, Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, or someone else entirely?
"Clark Griswold."
Well, that explains a few things!
Between the Christmas decorations, themed drinks, and holiday festivities, we think Clark would feel right at home at Mr. Yee's.
Real Christmas tree or artificial? White lights or colorful lights? Eggnog or hot chocolate?
"Artificial tree, color lights, hot chocolate."
Sounds like a pretty cozy Christmas to us!
Downtown Kenosha for the Holidays!
When Dino and Ken aren't busy keeping Mr. Yee's running, they appreciate everything that makes Downtown Kenosha a special place to visit.
What do you love most about owning a business in Kenosha?
"Kenosha is such a great city to be part of. The other business owners are great to network with and share ideas with. There are so many fun events that Downtown Kenosha throws and gets Kenosha great exposure."
And when friends and family come to visit, there's no question where they'd take them.
Where are you taking out-of-town visitors to show off Kenosha?
"Downtown. All the fun little shops and restaurants to grab a drink and check out their decorations."
There's something special about exploring Downtown Kenosha during the holidays, especially with decorated storefronts, seasonal events, local restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to shop small.
What's one other local business you'd encourage visitors to check out?
"Olafson & Porter do a great job with their decorations and offerings. Such a great place to shop, get coffee,
and find some hidden gems. And of course, MelKat's when you need to grab a bite to eat!" :)
Sounds like a pretty good day in Kenosha to us! A little vintage shopping, some coffee, and a delicious meal at MelKat's. With so many locally owned businesses to explore, it's easy to turn a holiday shopping trip into a full day of Kenosha fun!
What makes Kenosha such a special place to visit during the holidays?
"The people and how festive things get with events and decorations."
Sometimes it's the simplest things that make the season memorable!
Preserving the Past, Looking Toward the Future!
As 2026 comes to a close, Dino and Ken have plenty to be thankful for.
Most importantly, they're grateful to the community that welcomed Mr. Yee's back and continues to support the restaurant.
What are you most thankful for this year?
"Thankful for our community and the support we have gotten over the last couple of years. People were very happy that we re-opened Yee's and so are we!"
It's a special feeling when a restaurant means so much to a community that people celebrate its return.
And while Dino and Ken are committed to preserving the restaurant's history, they're also looking ahead to the future.
What's on the horizon for 2027?
"Finish our outside remodel and the new sign. Start planning the back entrance remodel too."
There are also more celebrations ahead!
Anything else exciting happening in 2027?
"Next year is the Year of the Goat! Come celebrate the Chinese New Year with us!"
The Year of the Goat begins with Lunar New Year on February 6, 2027, giving everyone another reason to visit Mr. Yee's in the new year.
Supporting Local Is Always in Season!
For Dino and Ken, being part of Downtown Kenosha means more than operating a restaurant. It means supporting neighboring businesses and helping create a community where people want to shop, dine, and spend time together.
Why is supporting local businesses so important, especially during the holidays?
"Most businesses in Kenosha are locally and privately owned. They have lots of unique things to offer. The variety we have in Kenosha for food is great. You can get so many different experiences all in one city."
And that's one of the wonderful things about Kenosha!
From longtime favorites like Mr. Yee's to new restaurants, independent shops, and local attractions, there's always something to discover.
Make Mr. Yee's Part of Your Holiday Story!
Whether you're returning for a favorite dish you remember from years ago, visiting for the first time, or stopping in to enjoy the A Christmas Story decorations, Mr. Yee's is ready to welcome you.
Bring the family for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, check out the holiday cocktails, pick up a gift card, and enjoy a little Kenosha history along the way.
Because at Mr. Yee's, the holidays aren't just about great food.
They're about traditions, memories, and bringing people together.
And that's a Christmas story worth celebrating!
Mr. Yee's
5030 Sixth Avenue
Downtown Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 652-5446
Holiday Happenings & Specials
- November 27–December 31: Holiday gift card promotion. Buy $50 in gift cards and receive $10 in Mr. Yee's Fortune, or buy $100 in gift cards and receive $25 in Mr. Yee's Fortune.
- Saturday, December 12, Noon–2 PM: Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Mr. Yee's! Plus, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée (one free kids' menu meal per adult entrée purchased; valid during the event).
- Holiday Season: A Christmas Story-themed decorations and specialty drink menu.
