Ritter's Fish Market
Jeff and Sue Ritter stand behind a display in their new Ritter’s Fish Market store.
Ritter’s Fish Market opens new store
By Ted Pennekamp
Ritter’s Fish Market, at the corner of County N and Highway 27 between Prairie du Chien and Eastman, has recently opened its new store.
“This is something we’ve dreamed about for many years,” said Jeff Ritter, a long-time commercial fisherman. “We finally made the jump.”
The Ritters have sold smoked fish and other products for years at area grocery stores, but now customers have the option of visiting the brand new store as well.
Jeff and his wife Sue said that the store offers a full line of smoked fish, including salmon, catfish, sturgeon, perch and carp.
“Carp jerky is definitely a specialty,” said Jeff. “It’s been quite popular and has done quite well for us. It’s kind of our signature.”
Many other tasty items are also found at the store, including pickled fish, fresh catfish, honey, fresh cheese curds on Thursdays, frog legs, crawfish, fish seasonings, beer, pop, beef sticks, and a full line of seafood. Some of the seafood items include alligator, all sizes of shrimp, cod, lobster, scallops, king crab legs, and many other items.
“If customers ask for items not currently in the store, we can get it,” said Jeff. Ritter’s Fish Market T-shirts and hats are also available.
Concrete for the store was poured in June of 2015 and construction began in mid-August. The store was completed on Oct. 1.
Randy Jones Construction of Harpers Ferry built the store, with many others helping as well. Mike “Stubby” Jones of Prairie du Chien did concrete work and Josh Wagner of Wagner Electric of Wauzeka worked on the store. Roger Stovey did the tile work. Others helping out included Maria Stovey, Sam and Marsha Ritter, Ron Check, Bill Nation, Joey and Leah Renner, and Brittany Renner.
Jeff and Sue said that a grand opening for the store will be held this spring when the weather is nicer.
“It’s gonna be a learning curve for us, but we’re gonna have fun,” said Sue about running the new store. The phone number for Ritter’s Fish Market is (608) 326-4227.
