Martin & Ellen Van Abel
1848 - 1898
ABOUT
ABOUT VAN ABEL’S
A Tradition That Lives On
Places like this don’t come around often—and they don’t last this long without a story worth telling. For generations, Van Abel’s has been built on tradition, and it’s something we’re proud to carry on today.
where we started…
The Early Years
Van Abel’s story began in 1848, when Martin Van Abel established a rest stop for cattle drives in what is now Holland, Wisconsin—serving as both a saloon and an inn. As the business was passed down to the next generations, it endured challenges like Prohibition and the Great Depression, continuing to grow through resilience and hard work.
Following WWII, the family expanded the space to include what is now the front bar, dining room, and bowling alley, with the main hall added soon after. During this time, many of the traditions and recipes were established—including the now-famous broasted chicken, introduced in 1965.
Carried through
generations
Nell & Bill Van Abel
1898 - 1946
Don and Bernice Van Abel
1946 - 2002
Will and Anne (Duff) Van Abel
1946 - 2002
Will & Don’s 10 Kids
2002 - 2023
Chris Coenen and Anne Golden
2023
Where we are today
Over the years, Van Abel’s has continued to evolve with thoughtful updates, expanded spaces, and the addition of catering services that now serve events of all sizes. While much has grown, the heart of what made it special has remained the same—tradition, quality, and a place to gather.
Today, more than 175 years later, that legacy continues with Chris and Ann as the 5th generation of the Van Abel family, carrying forward the traditions started by Martin and Ellen Van Abel.
Meet the team
Meet the team
Chris Coenen | Owner
Chris’s journey with Van Abel’s began in 1988, when he started at just 14 years old, working through high school and college. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from UW–Oshkosh, while staying involved part-time during his time at Plexus and later Bergstrom Automotive. In 2002, when Will and Don Van Abel sold the business to their ten children, Chris returned as General Manager—continuing the tradition he had been part of from the very beginning.
Anne Golden | Owner
Anne’s journey with Van Abel’s began in 1992, when she started at just 15 years old, working through high school and college. She went on to earn a degree in Marketing from Fox Valley Technical College and built her career as a Sales Manager for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Later, while raising her two children, she started her own business providing in-home care for elderly and disabled individuals. In 2019, Anne returned to Van Abel’s, and in 2023, she and Chris took ownership—becoming the 5th generation to carry on the Van Abel’s tradition.
Travis Zielinski
Front of House Manager
Haley Boreson
Assistant Front of House Manager
Alex Diedrick
Assistant Front of House Manager
Leanne Van Rossum
Kitchen Manager
Liz Siebers
Asstistant Kitchen Manager
Adam Wolfinger
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Join Our Team
Be Part of the Tradition
For generations, this has been more than just a place to work—it’s been a place to grow, connect, and be part of something meaningful. We’re always looking for people who take pride in what they do and want to be part of a team that values tradition, quality, and great service.
Apply today