THE SEASON FOR SUPPER. Ema Rieck (left) and Ella Wesenberg (right) – owners of The Good Wives in Eau Claire, have acquired the Kingfisher restaurant based in Durand, following the retirement of former co-owners Rebecca and Gary Bolger. The Kingfisher's menu – which will offer fine-tuned staples, unlike The Good Wives' rotating menus – will sport supper club favorites like steak, potatoes and seafood.

Owners of Eau Claire's not-so-hidden gem The Good Wives (2161 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire), Ella Wesenberg and Ema Rieck, are ringing in the new year with hopes of making a springtime splash in a not-too-distant market – though it may not be what you expect.

The Kingfisher restaurant, located in Durand, has earned a dedicated loyal following over the years thanks to its fresh twist on supper club-style favorites and warm interior. Its owners of the past five years, Rebecca and Gary Bolger, were looking into retirement and approached Ella and Ema in hopes they would be interested in the space.

As it turns out, Ella and Ema had already put thought into owning a steakhouse, they said, feeling the regional supper club scene was in danger of diminishing.

"The Kingfisher is not going to be The Good Wives. 2.0," Ema told me. "It's a new opportunity for us. We're looking to establish a classic supper club style restaurant, but with an elevated and focused approach."

The Kingfisher's aesthetics – its interior a classic, mid-century modern vibe with high ceilings and a split-level horseshoe bar – will largely be kept the same. The menu, too, will continue its supper club style.

Ella Wesenberg, owner and executive chef, pictured above.

Culinarily, it will be different than what folks have grown to expect from The Good Wives. The Kingfisher's menu – which will offer a fine-tuned slate of staples, unlike The Good Wives' seasonal and rotating menus – will sport supper club favorites like steak, potato dishes, pasta, veggies and seafood.

The exact items, however, may be slightly different than you expect. In fact, you may have already had some of these items on the rotating menus at The Good Wives.

"You'll still get your steak and potatoes, but for example, we might serve a Potato Pave as the potato item," Ema explained.

"Ella already makes the best steak in the world, so we're in good shape there," she added.

While the location largely pulls attraction from a pocket of tourism running through Pepin and Wabasha, Ella and Ema still expect the area's love of supper clubs will draw in folks from a half-hour or so away.

The Good Wives celebrated the announcement with a four-course dining event on Dec. 16 – the first of many events they hope will support the Kingfisher's future. As Ella and Ema prepare to re-open the restaurant, an online fundraiser has been created to assist with initial costs of inventory, staff training and equipment purchases.

With all that is different between The Good Wives and the Kingfisher, you can still expect fresh, real ingredients and a finely crafted approach. Get ready to experience the Kingfisher's next chapter, now shaped by The Good Wives' Ella and Ema.

Enjoy just a taste (or in this case, a sip) of Kingfisher's new branding, pictured above. Ella and Ema intend to highlight the timeless craft cocktails of supper club scenes; old fashioned drinks will be a staple, amongst the many more to be revealed come springtime. (Submitted photo)

Follow the Kingfisher Supper Club on Instagram (@kingfishersupperclub) for future updates, or visit the online fundraiser to learn more. It is tentatively slated for a Spring 2026 opening.