Acclaimed East Dubuque Restaurant Under New Ownership

There's no restaurant in the Tri-States that offers the view that Timmerman's Supper Club does.

In order to understand the arresting view of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin that comes from seeing it from above, you need to have dinner by one of the 52 windows in Timmerman's, which itself is perched atop a large bluff. When you're exiting Dubuque or driving through East Dubuque, the gigantic marquee sits against the bluffs like the "Hollywood" sign. 

Timmerman's Supper Club has a rich history in the community. Telegraph Herald wrote that its founder once turned away country singer Waylon Jennings because his outfit wasn't seen as appropriate for her venue. Various Chicago Bears, from coach Mike Ditka to William "Refrigerator" Perry would stop at Timmerman's to eat before long training sessions in nearby Platteville, WI.

Now, the historic diner will be undergoing an ownership change, as revealed by their Facebook post on Monday, April 28th. The new ownership group of Patti Scheutz, Riley Schuetz, and Jennifer Salazar took the opportunity to express their gratitude for outgoing owners Gary Neuses and Mark Hayes, who have owned the supper club since 2003.

Today starts a new chapter in Timmerman's legacy. Mark and Gary purchased Timmerman's in 2003 with the goal of providing a special place for guests to come and dine with family and friends and create memories that would last a lifetime. Little did they realize at the time that these people would also become cherished, lifelong friends [....] Today, they have the opportunity to pass their passion on to new owners; who also have the desire and vision of wanting Timmerman's to thrive, providing a dining experience for guests, that they can't wait to come back for - per Timmerman's Facebook post

The post continues by thanking the public on behalf of Mark and Gary for their support over multiple decades, noting that "they have far exceeded their goal here and are now looking forward to starting a new chapter."

The new ownership group adds that they will honor all gift cards customers present them, and encourage folks to come meet the new faces of the restaurant. No official "start date" for the new ownership group was noted, but it's presumed to take place sometime this week, as Timmerman's Facebook also notes that the restaurant will be closed this Wednesday, April 30th.

The Telegraph Herald notes that Timmerman's grand opening happened all the way back in August 1961 with promise of "a complete menu" for dinner, including chicken, steak, seafood, and "Helen's famous homemade rolls." Timmerman's predicated themselves on being a fully furnished restaurant with "a panoramic view of Dubuqueland."

Helen Timmerman continued operating the supper club until she retired in March 1985. She sold the restaurant to David and Patti Thiltgen in 1984, who then eventually sold the business to the Rodriguezes. Helen Timmerman passed away in 2002 at the age of 92.

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Gary Neuses and Mark Hayes assumed ownership of Timmerman's in 2003. Each time I have dined at Timmerman's over the last few years, the service has been exceptional, the food has been delicious (can't recommend the onion rings enough), and the views have been memorable.

Congratulations to the Scheutzs and Salazar too on taking ownership of a tried and true Tri-States mainstay. Read more about Timmerman's Supper Club on their website, and follow them on Facebook.