Stone’s Family Restaurant has been a Millhousen institution since the 1860s.

Stone’s Family Restaurant is a cherished, family-owned establishment that has made the community feel at home since the 1860s. Whether it’s the delicious fried chicken, homemade pies, or personal service, Stone’s never fails to make customers and staff feel valued. A longtime employee shared, “The people at Stone’s feel like a second family to me.” However, the building itself hasn’t always been the bustling chicken restaurant you see today.

The small town of Millhousen, home to Stone’s Family Restaurant, was founded in 1834 by a group of German settlers. Business flourished as the railroad was expected to pass through the heart of the town. In anticipation of this growth, John Witkemper constructed the large red brick building in the 1860s, initially serving as a residence and the town’s saloon.

Over the years, the restaurant has undergone several ownership changes. Witkemper’s daughter, Mollie Reisman, was the first to take over. However, during her time as owner, she faced the challenges of the Prohibition era. That didn’t stop the people of Millhousen — Reisman operated a speakeasy, where townsfolk secretly gathered. They hid their supply of alcohol in the smokehouse, accessible only to those who knew the secret code.

After publicly opening the building as Mollie’s Restaurant and Bar in 1932, Reisman soon realized it was time to pass the baton to the next generation. In 1947, her daughter, Hellin, and son-in-law, Bill Stone, took over the business, raising their 12 children in the extra space of the building. 

This dynamic duo left a lasting legacy, as they were the ones who created what we now know as Stones’ Famous Fried Chicken.

In 1979, another generation of the family stepped up to continue the legacy. Toni, one of Hellin’s daughters, and her husband, Darrell Collins, took ownership and transformed the restaurant. They remodeled the entire first floor into a full dining space and introduced the beloved all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet.

In 2003, Joe and Donna Johannigman took over the restaurant, continuing to honor its small-town charm. They remain dedicated to preparing meals passed down through generations, from the famous fried chicken to the homemade pies. Rooted in tradition, Stone’s Family Restaurant values everyone who walks through its doors.

The Johannigmans invite you to visit — whether for a family birthday, an anniversary, or just a night out. Enjoy their many specialties, including:

• Delicious fried chicken with just the right amount of pepper

• Breaded pork tenderloin, hand-breaded and fried to perfection

• Boneless, traditional, or smoked chicken wings paired with homemade sauce

• Scratch-made pies that are the perfect ending to any meal

Stone’s is open Wednesday through Saturday, with their buffet available every night! For more information, visit their website at stonesfamilyrestaurant.com or follow them on Facebook for weekly menu updates.

Visit this charming small town and experience the beautiful brick building filled with old and new memories. The Stone’s crew is ready to serve you. Let their family take care of yours at Stone’s Family Restaurant!