PULASKI, Wis. (WFRV) – What started as a gut feeling has grown into a beloved local gathering spot in Pulaski.
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Twenty years ago, Jen Olson took a chance on an abandoned building just off the highway, turning it into what is now Jen’s Knaughty Pine. It’s a Northwoods-style bar and restaurant known for its food and friendly atmosphere.
“I just drove by it and I had a gut feeling this was the bar I wanted,” Olson said. “I always wanted a bar in the country, but not too far off from the highway.”
With a small budget, Olson built the business from the ground up, even using a makeshift bar in the early days because she couldn’t afford a full setup.
Over time, the restaurant became a favorite among locals, drawing in customers of all ages who say the welcoming environment keeps them coming back.
“My customers and regulars are always friendly to new people.” Olson said. “Everyone fits in.”
Customers say what starts as a meal often turns into lasting friendships and memories.
The restaurant is also known for its regulars and their stories — including one man named “Ike,” who often arrived on his lawnmower.
“I could write a chapter on him,” Olson said.
Whether people come from down the road or out of town, customers say it’s the mix of good food and good company that defines the place.
“You’ll see a mix of older, younger, and people my age here,” customer Kurt Petrson said. “The atmosphere is great, and you’ll always see them serving people with a smile.”
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For Olson, that sense of connection is what matters most.
“It’s always a fun job, no matter what,” she said. “Even if it’s a tough day, there is always someone here to make you smile.”
