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Bellevue Restaurant Fries 450 Pounds of Fish on Busy First Friday of Lent
Redwood Inn sees 20% more business during Lenten fish fry season
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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The Redwood Inn in Bellevue, Wisconsin was packed with customers on the first Friday of Lent as the restaurant fried up 450 pounds of breaded fish for the busy fish fry. The family-owned restaurant has been serving its popular fish fry recipe, passed down from the owner's grandmother, for over 50 years, drawing in loyal customers who flock to the Redwood Inn each Lenten season.
Why it matters
Friday fish fries are a longstanding tradition in Wisconsin, especially during the Lenten season when many Catholics and other Christians abstain from meat on Fridays. The Redwood Inn's ability to draw large crowds and fry up hundreds of pounds of fish highlights the enduring popularity of this regional culinary custom.
The details
The Redwood Inn was packed with customers by 4pm on the first Friday of Lent, with the restaurant's owner John Smits and his kitchen staff preparing 450 pounds of breaded fish to meet the high demand. Smits has been cooking the restaurant's fish fry recipe, passed down from his grandmother Emma, since he was 10 years old. While rising food costs have cut into profits, the Redwood Inn has maintained its fish fry prices to keep customers coming back for the beloved tradition.
- The Redwood Inn has been serving its Friday fish fry for over 50 years, since 1963.
- The first Friday of Lent was on February 20, 2026.
The players
Redwood Inn
A family-owned restaurant in Bellevue, Wisconsin that has been serving a popular Friday fish fry for over 50 years.
John Smits
The owner of the Redwood Inn who has been cooking the restaurant's fish fry recipe, passed down from his grandmother, since he was 10 years old.
Emma Smits
The grandmother of John Smits who provided the recipe for the Redwood Inn's famous fish fry.
What they’re saying
“Fish is really good. Two potatoes. Probably won't finish them both, but it's awesome fish.”
— Dan Zepnick, Customer (fox11online.com)
“It's the best place to have fish in the state of Wisconsin. I've been at a lot of places.”
— Wayne Christoffel, Customer (fox11online.com)
“Fish fries are exciting, no matter what day it is, but of course, being Lent, it's always going to be busier. We like to go out for fish all the time.”
— Lori Catlin, Customer (fox11online.com)
What’s next
The Redwood Inn plans to continue serving its popular Friday fish fry throughout the Lenten season, which runs until Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026.
The takeaway
The Redwood Inn's ability to fry up 450 pounds of fish and draw large crowds on the first Friday of Lent showcases the enduring popularity of this regional culinary tradition in Wisconsin, where fish fries have been a Lenten staple for generations.
