History of Kroll's

Kroll's is proud to bring its over seventy years of excellent food, tradition and family fun to Chicago and its new home, the South Loop. We are a family-owned business that has now passed to its fourth generation.

All families have memories and stories that make up the fiber of who they are today. Our story begins with the arrival of Harry and Caroline Kroll from New York City to Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1931. At the request of a relative, Harry and Caroline became operators of the Kutska Hotel on Main Street. Caroline had anticipated the splendors of a New York Hotel, not a boarding house and bar with spittoons. But, she adjusted, and started preparing meals for her guests. Little did she know that the 35 cent meal she was selling was the beginning of our family food business.

In 1936, the first Kroll's was built as a 8x10 foot plywood structure where Caroline served charcoal-grilled meals for take-out. It was there that the Kroll's hamburger was born. Caroline served hamburgers made the Kroll's way – a juicy burger served on a lightly toasted roll topped with butter, ketchup, pickles and raw onions.

Next begins a series of locations and generations the Kroll's hamburger has endured. In 1936, Caroline opened her first Kroll's bar and lunchroom at the Green Bay Labor Temple. Then, she and Harry gave birth to a daughter, Pat. As Pat grew up, she quickly learned the family business. The excellent food and service that Caroline, Pat and Harry provided earned enough growth that by 1958, it was time for Kroll's to move to a new location – Kroll's Downtown.

After a few years, urban renewal began in Green Bay and brought about another move for Kroll's – this time to the west side. Harry and Caroline were doubtful of the change in locale, but Pat was determined it would continue Kroll's success. Pat's daughter Bobbie, and her husband Mike, the third wave of the Kroll's family, continued the traditions the family had developed and made Kroll's West a neighborhood gathering place for family, friends and sports fans. Kroll's West is located directly across the street from Lambeau Field, and we are proud to serve thousands of our grilled sandwiches on game days.

Now enters Chicago, and, the fourth generation of the Kroll's family, Nicole Wier and Andrea Tahlier (Wier). Daughters to Mike and Bobbie, the girls have been Chicago residents for some time now, and are excited to bring the tradition their great-grandmother Caroline began to their beloved city of Chicago. From all of the Kroll's family, we extend to you a warm welcome.

Policies and information

• KROLL'S IS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT
• Please be aware that our policy is ONE CHECK per group, and we accept up to three forms of payment per check
• A gratuity of 18% will be added to groups of six or more
• We accept reservations for parties of six or more
• Credit cards are required to secure a tab in our bar and cocktail area
• We are not responsible for items lost or forgotten at Kroll's South Loop
• Kroll's South Loop reserves the right to make changes to our menu and prices at any time. Wine and Beer selections may be seasonal, and may be changed or updated without notice.