By Heather Graves
Correspondent
ASHWAUBENON – Tucked in the shadows of Lambeau Field, many would be hard pressed to recall a time when Anduzzi’s Sports Club wasn’t a staple on Holmgren Way – a popular stop for football fans and concert-goers alike.
Over the past 20 years, the owners, Lisa and Andy Szymanski, have expanded – opening three additional locations – and have built a brand that is recognizable throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
“We want our fans’ expectations to be exceeded on every visit,” said Auduzzi’s Vice President Lisa Szymanski. “Customer service is core to our values and our mission statement. Our goal (is to) always give our fans an exceptional experience.”
This August, Anduzzi’s celebrates its 20th anniversary.
What started as a dream by a couple of young bartenders has become a flourishing brand employing hundreds throughout the area.
Szymanski said Anduzzi’s is what it is today because of its dedicated staff.
“We are fortunate to have great employees who care deeply about what they do,” Szymanski said. “They represent Anduzzi’s well and we could not have come this far without them.”
There are four Anduzzi’s locations throughout the area – the flagship on Holmgren Way, the Howard location on Lineville Road, the Green Bay east store on Kepler Drive and the newest location on South Washington Street in Kimberly.
The Holmgren Way location opened its doors in 1999 and is home to the Green Bay area’s first rooftop patio.
“Our outdoor tent, rooftop patio, live music and exceptional menu make us an absolute must on Packer game days,” Szymanski said. “This location is busy, full of energy and fun.”
Besides game day activities, this location hosts Green Bay’s Oktoberfest (Sept. 20-21) featuring a 5K run, wiener dog race and a brat eating contest.
The Howard store opened in December 2011, complete with an outdoor bar.
“This store has an incredibly loyal fan base,” Szymanski said.
Szymanski said staff team up with Bay Port High School for various fundraising events every year.
The Howard location also hosts the Anduzzi’s Sports Club Annual Golf Outing, which was held last month. The proceeds from this event benefits a homeless shelter.
“This location also organizes the shelter meals that our Anduzzi’s teammates participate in four times a year,” Szymanski said. “Howard coordinates these events and teammates from all locations participate.”
The Kepler Drive location opened in October 2014 and is home to one of Anduzzi’s largest signature events – Anduzzifest, a four-day music fest (July 25 to 28) featuring outdoor tents, a food stand, an outdoor bar and live bands.
Szymanski said the staff at the Green Bay east location also work hand-in-hand with Preble High School on fundraising events throughout the year.
The Kimberly location opened in March 2016 and is the Szymanski’s first store in the Fox Valley area.
This location hosts the annual Brewers Bus trip every summer.
While each store has its own signature events, Szymanski said some events are location-wide.
“We plan approximately 12 location-wide party events a year,” Szymanski said. “Each location also offers live entertainment every week including bands, bingo and trivia.”
On the food front, Szymanski said the club strives to put an unique spin on pub cuisine, while at the same time following culinary trends.
“We pride ourselves on offering an outstanding menu,” Szymanski said. “Our food offerings are consistent among all stores and we go to great lengths to stay on trend and give a good value.”
What’s next for the Anduzzi’s organization is not yet known, but Szymanski said they do plan on opening more locations if the opportunity arises.
There was interest in a possible Anduzzi’s location in the city’s Shipyard project, but those plans, at least for now, are on hold.
“The Shipyard project is certainly a project we explored with great interest,” Szymanski said. “We were very active in early conversations. (However), the dynamics of the Shipyard project have significantly changed.”
That being said, Szymanski said they are always looking for development opportunities in downtown Green Bay.
Continuing to expand into the Fox Valley is also on the Szymanski’s radar.
“Our most immediate growth plan will likely be the Fox Valley,” Szymanski said. “However, we are always most concerned with ensuring we are running sound, healthy businesses prior to any new store openings.”
All four locations are celebrating this two-decade milestone with an anniversary party Aug. 1-4.
“Our party is intended to say ‘thank you’ to our fans over the years for their loyalty,” Szymanski said. “We are offering some amazing throwback pricing on food and drinks for the weekend, along with live bands – including Johnny Wad and Pat Schorr – at each location.”
Some specials include 25 cent wings, $1 Bud Light and Miller Lite pints and $2 burgers.
For more information visit anduzzis.com.