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When Dino Katris stepped into Mr. Yee’s (formerly Yee’s Oriental Inn) for the first time as its new owner, it wasn’t just another restaurant project. For Dino, it was a return to something deeper – something rooted in family, community, and the enduring power of hospitality. Mr. Yee’s, a longtime staple of Kenosha’s dining scene, carried a legacy built over generations. Dino didn’t come to erase that legacy; he came to honor it, while breathing new life into it through vision, care, and relentless hard work.

Born and raised in Antioch, Illinois, Dino grew up in a big Greek family full of cousins and charisma. He learned the ropes of the restaurant world at an early age, tagging along with his father at The Vegas Café. But the allure of the hospitality world quickly got real – one day he was begging to bus tables, the next he was peeling hot boiled potatoes in the dish pit. Those early lessons, especially from the waitresses who felt like extended family, stuck with him. Respect the position, no matter how small.

Though Dino originally pursued a degree in finance at DePaul University and landed an internship in the corporate world, the energy didn’t match his drive. The restaurant world had already made its mark on him. From dishwasher to busboy, from visionary to mentor, Dino had found his lane.

With a career that includes places like Lucky Star, La Fogata, El Camino, and Waterfront Warehouse, Dino built a reputation for taking on high-risk, high-reward restaurant ventures. Most of his projects were broken brands or shuttered buildings, but that never scared him. He saw potential where others saw problems. And every time a guest walked out impressed, it reminded him why he does what he does.

When a member of the Yee family approached him about taking over their iconic restaurant, Dino was at a crossroads. He had just sold his restaurants and was studying for his Series 7 exam. But something about Yee’s kept calling him back. It wasn’t just about the food or the challenge. It was about keeping a legacy alive. As someone who grew up in a family-run diner that had lasted over 50 years, Dino understood what that meant.

Mr. Yee’s needed more than a fresh coat of paint – it needed a complete overhaul. The kitchen was 70 years old. Plumbing and electrical systems had to be gutted and redone. But Dino dug in, working side by side with designers, carpenters, and his business partner Ken Miller, who he’d worked with since the La Fogata days. Trust was the foundation of their partnership. They divided responsibilities based on their strengths and supported each other through every obstacle.

Below: Ken and Dino

Dino knew what had to stay: the silver serving trays, the nostalgic eggrolls. But he also had to adapt. At first, long-time guests weren’t shy about pointing out what felt off – but they came back. They helped shape the rebirth of the place they loved. Dino and his team listened, learned, and adjusted. Community wasn’t just a buzzword; it was the engine behind everything.

Former Shirl’s Drive-In

Beyond Mr. Yee’s, Dino is laying the groundwork for the next generation of restaurateurs. Through Root Hospitality, he’s helping others pursue their dreams. He’s currently working on two major new projects. The first is launching MelKat’s alongside longtime friend Jason Melichar. Located at the former Shirl’s Drive-In on Sheridan Road, MelKat’s will serve up smashburgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beefs, and classic custard desserts – blending nostalgic Americana with modern flavor.

Yogi’s Pud’n

The second project pairs Dino with neighboring Racine legend Yolanda “Yogi,” the founder and creator of Yogi’s Pud’n. Along with serial entrepreneur Jose Vasquez, the team is working to grow Yogi’s Pud’n from a beloved local favorite to a national brand. Their mission? To bring the sweet taste of Racine into retail stores across the country, preserving the heart of Yogi’s recipe while scaling its reach.

Through it all, Dino stays grounded. His motivation? His wife and kids. His inspiration? His parents and the people who believed in him along the way. When asked what the best compliment he’s ever received is, he doesn’t hesitate: “You have the best staff.”

He dreams big for Kenosha – imagining a city known for its hospitality and culinary creativity. And when he finally hangs up his apron, he wants to be remembered not just for the places he built, but for the doors he helped open for others.

After sitting down with Dino, one thing is crystal clear – he’s more than a restaurateur. He’s a community builder, a mentor, and a champion for not just keeping Downtown Kenosha vibrant, inclusive, and full of heart, but for all of Kenosha.

Through Roots Hospitality and the revitalization of Mr. Yee’s and all his projects, Dino continues to show what’s possible when hard work, creativity, and care come together. His story is one of honoring legacy while embracing evolution – and it’s exactly the kind of story that reminds us why we Visit Kenosha.

Gather your friends or family and dine at Mr. Yee’s!

5030 6th Avenue

Kenosha, WI 53140

(262) 652-5446

ilovemryees.com

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MADISON, Wis. - A Kenosha man won $2 million from a $2,000,000 Cash scratch ticket he purchased at the Kwik Trip located at 31st and Green Bay Road in Kenosha.

Joshua Bardy claimed his winning ticket at the Wisconsin Lottery Madison office this week.

New scratch game

What we know:

$2,000,000 Cash is a Wisconsin Lottery $50 instant scratch ticket that debuted on May 2, 2025. Bardy is the game's first top prize winner.

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Previous winning tickets sold

What we know:

This is not the first time this Kenosha Kwik Trip sold a winning ticket worth a million dollars or more. The retailer sold a winning $2 million scratch ticket in September 2024, and in 2018 sold a $1 million lotto ticket.

Kwik Trip Store Manager, Brian M. noted, "I can't believe we sold another million-dollar-winning ticket. This is so awesome."

The $2,000,000 Cash scratch game features over $17 million in prizes. The game has one $2,000,000 top prize remaining and offers 10 different prize levels, ranging from $75 to $2,000,000.

Kwik Trip gets a cut

What we know:

Wisconsin retailers who sell winning tickets for more than $599 get a 2% Retailer Performance Program Winning Ticket Incentive, up to $100,000. For selling the winning $2,000,000 Cash ticket, Kwik Trip will get a $20,000 incentive.

Daiso, a popular Japanese discount retailer, is preparing to open its first Wisconsin location at Southport Plaza in Kenosha, offering local residents and visitors a wide range of low-cost household items, stationery, beauty products, and more.

The store is scheduled to launch in spring 2025 according to information posted on its website. Daiso traces its roots back to 1972, when founder Hirotake Yano opened a street vending shop under the name “Yano Shoten” in Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan.

He later established the current company in 1977, maintaining its original concept of selling everyday items at low prices, initially pegged at the ¥100-yen mark, or about ¢.75 cents. Today, Daiso operates more than 6,000 stores globally, with about 150 of those in the United States.

Daiso’s business practice has a longstanding policy of purchasing excess stock from manufacturers which has contributed to its ability to keep prices down. The retailer regularly packages unsold products, stocking its shelves with diverse household goods, craft materials, gardening tools, and Japanese snacks.

Its bargain-friendly model has allowed shoppers in Japan, as well as in other countries, to access everyday supplies at a fraction of typical retail costs.

Local business analysts believe Kenosha’s new Daiso store could produce economic benefits for southeastern Wisconsin. By introducing budget-friendly items across numerous categories, the discount chain is expected to draw shoppers from neighboring communities, increasing foot traffic and potentially boosting sales for other area businesses.

Economists note that Daiso’s success in Japan stems from its broad appeal to consumers seeking affordable home goods. A similar response is anticipated in Kenosha, where the cost of living remained a central concern for many families.

Market observers suggest that the store’s ability to rotate inventory frequently would help generate repeat visits, spurring ongoing activity in the local retail sector. Community leaders acknowledge that additional retail diversity often stimulates commercial corridors by sparking competition and motivating established businesses to update selections or improve customer experiences.

With Daiso’s arrival, Kenosha residents might save money on household basics, while also exploring unique imports such as novelty items and Japanese treats. Industry watchers said the store’s format encourages creative shopping, drawing hobbyists and bargain hunters to discover new items at low prices.

Daiso’s history as a family-owned enterprise also contributes to its reputation for offering both practical essentials and whimsical products. Company representatives have not released details about potential store expansions beyond Kenosha, although past growth patterns suggested that more Daiso outlets often followed initial success in new regions. If consumer demand remained strong, southeastern Wisconsin could see additional locations.

Though Daiso has maintained a robust presence in its home country, where thousands of branches still sell goods at the symbolic ¥100-yen price point, its international stores frequently align pricing with local currencies and operating costs.

While most items in U.S. locations are still sold at near-dollar levels, some merchandise exceeds that threshold, reflecting differences in logistics and import fees. Even with the variations, customers generally flock to the chain for its wide-ranging inventory and novelty factor.

Analysts say that Daiso’s established model of purchasing surplus goods or overstock from manufacturers plays a unique role in its success. Companies that face oversupply use Daiso as a channel to offload products quickly, benefiting from guaranteed bulk purchases. Daiso then sells the merchandise at lower prices, passing those savings on to consumers. The approach has helped stabilize or extend product life cycles, reducing waste and introducing global shoppers to items they might not otherwise find.

Officials in Kenosha expressed optimism that the store’s assortment of inexpensive daily goods and imported specialties would appeal to a broad audience. Enthusiasts of Japanese culture, in particular, are expected to appreciate the unique offerings, including snacks and themed stationery not commonly found in mainstream retailers.

Kenosha’s selection as the retailer’s first Wisconsin city reflected local growth trends and a favorable retail environment. Economic development reports showed that businesses had gravitated toward Kenosha for its strategic location between Milwaukee and Chicago, as well as for its growing population.

The introduction of an international discount chain like Daiso underscores Kenosha’s broader goal of attracting diverse businesses and encouraging mixed-use commercial zones that serve multiple customer bases.