A renewed partnership
KRB’s bringing the BBQ back to basics
June 15, 2026
DE PERE – Completing various updates at All Shook Up Tavern – formerly known as Brenda’s Country Bar – since she took over in 2022, Owner Katie Lillge said she had to “recover” before starting new ones.
“These projects do cost money,” she laughed. “The updates I had done previously were absolutely necessary because there were some hidden problems with the building/grounds.”
But recently, Lillge said she turned her attention to upgrades aimed at improving the customer experience, including a larger parking lot and a revamped shed adjacent to the tavern – projects she had hoped to complete this spring.
“I was hoping everything would be completed this springtime, and here we are,” she said. “I reached out to [the contractors] to see what their timeline was and get a ballpark idea of cost. They let me know they were in a lull before doing a major job the rest of the summer, so I decided now was the time.”
Removing trees, hauling in 240 tons of gravel and paving the expanded area, Lillge said, was no small undertaking.
Though she said she was hoping for a few more parking spaces than the seven created.
“That seemed like a lot of work for that few spaces,” she laughed. “It’s definitely better than what it was. I also added three potential future spots my staff can use. The amount of gravel they used was unbelievable. They dug down about 14 inches and put all of that gravel in as a base.”
As for the adjacent shed, which was previously painted tan, Lillge said updating it to match the tavern’s aesthetic was a priority.
“About one-third of the shed is used for storage, and then the other two-thirds has tables for use,” she said. “I had new garage doors installed as well. With it now matching the color of the building, the patio furniture looks like it actually belongs out there.”
First appearing in The Business News’ Sept. 8, 2025 issue, Lillge said previous remodeling projects at All Shook Up Tavern (N5384 County Highway E, De Pere) included concrete work, the installation of new windows and doors, metal siding and a metal roof, as well as insulating the attic.
So far, Lillge said the updates have been “well received.”
“The response has been awesome,” she said. “All the regulars who knew the space [before I took over] and have watched it, they can’t say enough of how far it’s come and how great it all looks. Plus, all the new people who come in say, ‘I can’t believe we’re just finding you.’”
With the latest projects nearly complete, Lillge said she is already turning her attention to the next venture: take-and-bake pizzas.
“I recently ordered a freezer for the back of our kitchen to start freezing more at a time,” she said. “Once I know that’s all functioning well and we can keep up on pizzas, I’m buying a glass panel display freezer for behind the bar.”
Lillge said the addition will further complement the tavern’s offerings, which already features farm-to-table pizzas, tacos, salads and craft cocktails.
For more on All Shook Up Tavern, visit its Facebook page.
