Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club ownership transition to occur in near future
By Lauri Lee
Northside News
In a significant turn of events, John Kavanaugh, the name and face behind the beloved Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club, is retiring. However, the restaurant’s legacy lives on as Craig Spaulding steps up to the plate, expressing both honor and humility in taking on the responsibility of preserving and evolving Kavanaugh’s rich tradition. He assures patrons that the transition to Kavanaugh’s will be seamless, with a promise to maintain the cherished traditions that have made it a local favorite.
Spaulding is unwavering in his commitment to preserving Kavanaugh’s legacy. In a heartfelt acknowledgment of the establishment’s history, he revealed that John sought someone to carry on the tradition rather than putting Kavanaugh’s on the market.
Not only does the restaurant name continue, but continuity and a familiar touch is ensured at Kavanaugh’s since there will be very little staffing change after the transition. Corey Campion, the chef for seven years, will continue to work with the existing staff, including John’s daughter Jackie, who will continue to serve as the restaurant’s general manager.
Kavanaugh’s catering contract with the Wisconsin Masonic Center (WMC) event venue will also continue under the new ownership The WMC is a community resource in downtown Madison for wedding receptions, corporate events, graduations, and meetings, etc. The WMC is perfect for weddings between the size of 75-450. There are four dining room options depending on the size of the event (small dining room, Catlin Lounge, auditorium, and ballroom). Jackie Kavanaugh will continue to oversee the WMC catering arrangements.
Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club has four dining rooms, three on the main floor and one on the lower level that seats about 100. Some 300 people can dine at the same time, thanks in part to a renovation years ago that added 3000 square feet of space to the kitchen including storage.
Touched by the family atmosphere and stories shared by regulars, Spaulding seized this ownership opportunity with enthusiasm. He notes that while he’s not a chef, his extensive background in bar and food service sets the stage for a smooth transition.
The scope of his bar and restaurant background over the past four decades includes working at a few local establishments such as Nau-Ti-Gal, the Governor’s Club at the Madison Concourse Hotel and the bar at the Avenue Club. From 1992–2009, Spaulding owned and operated Cafe Montmartre in downtown Madison, which was primarily known for its wine and cocktails, live music and light fare food menu. He’s leaving employment at the AC Lounge in the AC Hotel by Marriott Madison Downtown where he’s worked as the original bartender since 2017. While he loved it there, the new opportunity to own Kavanaugh’s supper club became an exciting leap toward a new opportunity, one that he eagerly anticipates.
“I look forward to introducing the supper club experience to a new generation. I invite folks to stop by and meet me and check out why supper clubs are regaining popularity,” said Spaulding.
Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club history
The roots of Kavanaugh’s stretch back to 1947 when Jack, John’s father, took over operations. John, born in 1949, grew up in the family’s restaurant business before eventually purchasing the supper club in 1965 from his parents and continuing the legacy.
It’s a dream realized for Kavanaugh to transition the ownership to Spaulding. “I always wanted to continue the Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club legacy” said Kavanaugh.
“Being able to keep the restaurant name and legacy alive through the sale to a new owner intent on keeping the supper club tradition and allowing family and valued employees to continue their involvement is significant to me.”
Supper club style meals include relishes, soup, salad a choice of potato and home-baked bread and dessert.
“We make our own cheese dip and salad dressings. In the bar, the Grasshopper cocktail with crème de menthe and of course, the brandy old fashioned sweet, martini and Manhattan cocktails have always been extremely popular.
My father, Jack, and Lyle Poole of the Cuba Club started the Madison tradition of offering the Friday fish fry in the early 50s, back when a fish fry cost 95 cents,” said Kavanaugh.
No matter where you eat at a supper club, you’ll find the fish fry is served on Friday and Saturday is prime rib night.
Kavanaugh’s promises to continue being a haven where excellent food, great service, and the warmth of tradition converge, inviting everyone to be a part of its enduring legacy.
Visit Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club at 1025 N. Sherman Ave., at the corner of North Sherman Avenue and Commercial Avenue, and experience the satisfaction of never leaving hungry.