Providing American Fine Food Since 1959
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Our Story, Our Love, Our Passion
Clifford’s Supper Club was established in 1959 by Clifford Schill, who opened four different locations in southeast Wisconsin. Clifford’s Supper Club quickly became famous for Friday Fish Fry and an icon in the community for countless couples’ wedding receptions and family gatherings in the banquet halls. Over the years, the same couples have chosen to return to Clifford’s to celebrate their milestone anniversaries.
In 1988, Steve and Elaine Cannistra purchased the Hales Corners Clifford’s Supper Club location from Clifford Schill. But why? Well, it’s a true love story that deserves to be shared and celebrated.
Steve started working at Clifford’s as a dishwasher in 1969 and Elaine started working as a waitress that same year. Little did they know that it would be the year that changed the rest of their lives. In fact in 2018, Steve and Elaine, celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary and 30th anniversary of owning Clifford’s.
A little about the Mrs…
Elaine first started working at Clifford’s in 1969 as a waitress to help pay her way through college. It was also the year she met the love of her life, Steve. Elaine continued to waitress until 1980, when their first child was born. Mrs. C, which Elaine was called by her 4th and 5th grade students, taught in Muskego for 38 years. To this day, Elaine and Steve stay involved in making your visit a true supper club experience. Elaine has an artistic eye that gives Clifford’s the long-lasting supper club charm. Throughout the year, her artistic touch is on display as the seasons and holidays change. You will often see Elaine at the annual New Year’s Eve Party celebrating the New Year and also to enjoying the festive decor! The big event calls for over 700 balloons to be inflated and tied. How fast can you tie balloons? The Cannistra Girls are willing to race you ;)
A little about Mr. Cannistra…
Steve met the love of his life in 1969, Elaine of course. He also found his passion for Iceland cod and delivering fine food to his customers, his second love. Steve knew Clifford’s in and out, having worked as a dishwasher, busboy, cook, caterer, carver, and manager for Clifford Schill. In 1988, Steve and Elaine became owners of Clifford’s and have never skipped a beat with the traditional Friday Fish Fry. Steve couldn’t be more committed to learning about and serving the best cod to his customers. In February of 2002, he traveled to Iceland and toured a fish processing plant located on one of Iceland’s fjords, where he purchases his award-winning cod for fish fry. And, of course the cod is accompanied with Clifford’s signature tartar sauce, which was the creation of longtime manager and friend, the late Jack Glynn. Interested in the recipe? Sorry folks, Steve hasn’t even shared that recipe with his two daughters. Don’t forget about the perfectly seasoned coleslaw, delicious rye bread and rolls or tea biscuits as Steve likes to call them. There are many other signature items and supper club charms that continue through the test of time - relish tray, soup and salad, choice of potato, rolls and butter, and more.
Whether you are looking to dine-in, carry out, or host a gathering, Clifford’s Supper Club can tailor our services to meet any of your needs. Known for our Famous Friday Fish Fry, Steaks, Chops and Seafood - we have a variety of midwestern signature foods to make you feel at home.
From our family to yours!
We hope you enjoy your Clifford’s Supper Club experience.