Kenosha Eats: The King’s Ransom

The Restaurant:

Mars Cheese Castle, 2800 West Frontage Road, is the definition of a Kenosha cultural icon. Known for its cheese and souvenir shop, the landmark location also sports a full kitchen serving Wisconsin specialties.

The Featured Dish:

The King’s Ransom Pepperoni, capicola, peppered ham, melted white cheddar cheese, tomato, red onion, lettuce and mayo on a toasted baguette.

Fun Fact: The Mars Cheese Castle logo was designed as the first job of famous Kenosha artist George Pollard.

The Flavor and The Story:

Mars Cheese Castle is undeniably our city’s most recognizable landmark. The towering sign visible from I-94 not only advertises the best of our state’s exports, it also serves as a beacon to Kenoshans. Seeing the words “cheese castle” immediately lets anyone know that no matter how far or near you’ve traveled, you’re officially home.

Since 1947, the Ventura family has been building an empire on a foundation of curds and Spotted Cow. They seem to have always known that the world wants what we have here in Wisconsin and have been slinging it in style to visitors from around the world for 74 years.

In 2011 a highway expansion project forced the building to be moved and the Ventura family took the opportunity to build bigger, better and more full of novelty than ever before. 

The current building is truly a castle, complete with a drawbridge entrance.

Along with physical improvements, the castle now sports a full cafeteria-style restaurant and dining area serving up simple, classic Wisconsin fare. 

My choice had to be the Kings’s Ransom, a nod to the Ventura family’s Italian heritage, built with Wisconsin style.

The sandwich is made with a trio of full-flavored and fresh-sliced deli meats including pepperoni, capicola and peppered ham then loaded with melted Wisconsin white cheddar cheese.

The standard order also includes thick cut, juicy tomato, just the right amount of thin-sliced red onion, crisp lettuce and mayonnaise.

While simple, this no-frills sandwich shines with fresh, local flavors that complement not only our incredible locally produced meats and cheeses, but also Kenosha’s and the Ventura’s Italian influence.

The sandwich comes with your choice of fries, chips, German potato salad, or an apple, but you’d have to be the court jester not to add a side of the “world’s best” cheese curds. I’m not sure I’m qualified to verify that assessment, but the crispy batter, fresh cheese and buttermilk ranch make them some of the best this lifelong Wisconsinite has ever tasted. 

The Kings’s Ransom is available every day for $8.99 including a choice of side.  

Mars Cheese Castle is currently open for dine-in, and also accepts carryout/curbside. View this dish and their entire menu at MarsCheese.com.

Riki Tagliapietra

With a proven track record in marketing and operations in the local restaurant industry, Tagliapietra shares his love of Kenosha and all of its tasty offerings through his weekly food column.

Recent Posts

Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses

Cybersecurity is no longer an optional add-on for businesses

5 days ago

2025 season now officially underway at Brighton Dale Links, Petrifying Springs Golf Course

Kenosha County’s golf courses are now open for the 2025 season

6 days ago

Kerkman elected President of Wisconsin County Executives and Administrators Association

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman was recently elected as the leader of a statewide organization…

6 days ago

Military Veterans: Join us at St. John the Divine Church for our Monthly Veteran Café

A space to talk about military and life experiences with fellow veterans

6 days ago

Johann S. Bach celebrated at St. Elizabeth’s on Sunday with a concert

It was a stunning birthday party for Johann S. Bach at St. Elizabeth’s on Friday…

6 days ago

This website uses cookies.