Father Fats near Stevens Point is the ultimate blend of small-town charm and big-city culinary innovation. Owned by Leah and Christian Czerwonka, this intimate, ever-changing restaurant is one of the best farm-to-table restaurants Wisconsin has to offer, featuring a tasty showcase of seasonal eating and the couple’s passion for food, community and creativity.
Learning the Trade
Christian, a classically trained chef who gained his culinary start in New Orleans, loves experimenting with flavors and seasonal ingredients that bring the brightest, freshest flavors to their guests.
“We wanted a place where people could try many different things,” Christian said, highlighting Father Fats’ ever-changing menu of 30 dishes, half of which can shift daily based on available, in-season produce and inspiration.
Leah, who manages the front of the house, calls the dining experience at Father Fats as “an invitation into their home.” Her approach to hospitality mirrors Christian’s philosophy in the kitchen: thoughtful and dynamic.
“For us, the restaurant is like hosting a great dinner party,” she said. “There’s a high in making someone’s day with an exceptional meal or outstanding service.”
Before opening Father Fats, the Czerwonkas honed their skills across the country. Christian, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, spent years working in New Orleans, Las Vegas and Atlanta under several chefs. Leah met Christian while managing bar programs at high-profile restaurants.
Their decision to move to Wisconsin was fueled by their growing family.
“We wanted our kids to grow up here,” Leah said. “It was also about creating a balance—we didn’t want to miss holidays and bedtime stories anymore.”
Farm-to-Table Dining at Its Boldest
At Father Fats, the menu is a living document, updated daily to reflect the freshest ingredients. The couple collaborates with local farmers and visits the Stevens Point farmers market to source everything from heirloom tomatoes to whole rabbits, making Father Fats one of the most sought-after farm-to-table restaurants Wisconsin foodies enjoy!
“Seasonality isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s our way of life,” Christian said. “When farmers drop off produce or proteins, we build dishes around what arrives. It’s an exciting challenge.”
This approach extends to the restaurant’s bar program, which features cocktails, local beers and wines tailored to complement an evolving menu.
After more than a decade in business, the Czerwonkas are still driven by their intrinsic curiosities and ambition.
The Spirit of Innovation
“We get bored easily, so we’re always looking for ways to innovate,” Christian said.
That spirit fuels their pop-up dining events, ranging from Mediterranean feasts to Irish pub nights, which offer both the team and diners a chance to explore new culinary territories.
For Leah, success is about staying true to their mission.
“We want to keep entertaining, inspiring and making people feel at home,” she said.
Father Fats is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience bound by passion, resilience and the endless possibilities of good food.
To learn more about Father Fats, including hours and special dining events, visit FatherFatsSP.com.