Wissota Chophouse introduces a new dining experience to Cullman. Tucked inside the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites on the city’s southwest side, Wissota is a Wisconsin-rooted brand that is expanding steadily across state lines, bringing upscale flavors, an intimate ambiance and a fresh sense of culinary creativity to the South.
Leading the Cullman-based restaurant is General Manager Karli Duncan, who is proud to call the location home.
“This was the next step in my career,” Duncan shared. “I’ve been in the service industry for 13 years, and stepping into management here at a place like Wissota — somewhere I can be proud of — just felt right.”
Cullman’s Wissota Chophouse is part of a growing collection of restaurants located within Cobblestone Hotels, although not every Cobblestone location offers one. Their shared founder, Brian Wogernese, envisioned a hospitality experience where fine food and local character blend seamlessly.
“One of the biggest things our company stands for is offering a big city feel in a small town, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here — there’s nothing else quite like us in Cullman,” explained Duncan.
With dim lighting, smooth jazz music and a relaxed, posh ambiance, the restaurant has become the perfect spot for date nights and special occasions.
“We understand our prices are higher, but that’s because we want every part of your visit — service, food and ambiance — to reflect the quality,” Duncan said. “We want people to feel like they got more than what they paid for.”
The menu features premium meats, classic flavor pairings and a flexible à la carte format that allows guests to build a personalized plate. Every steak is hand selected and graded upper two-thirds choice, a mark of quality that puts the chophouse a cut above.
Some guest favorites include the Mediterranean Flatbread, the Steak Flatbread and the top-selling ribeye, often topped with one of the house’s creative enhancements. “You can add a crab cake, asparagus and bearnaise sauce to create our Oscar-style steak,” said Duncan.
In charge of the kitchen is Executive Chef Daniel Kurry, who’s bringing his blend of creativity to the business.
“Food is sustenance, but it’s also a sensory experience,” he said. “A meal should leave you feeling good, and we try to create that through excellent ingredients and thoughtful preparation.” He’s especially passionate about the opportunity to blend Midwestern flavors with Southern culture. “We’re a Wisconsin brand, but here in Alabama, we’re creating dishes that pull from both traditions. It keeps the menu exciting and approachable.”
The cocktail menu brings a balance of brand staples and bartender-driven creativity, with seasonal offerings rotating often. The Blackberry Lavender Mule is a must-try from the signature cocktail list, along with Steve’s Old Fashioned, a cherry twist on a classic, which was created in collaboration with one of the restaurant’s regulars. For those avoiding alcohol, Wissota offers a growing list of non-alcoholic cocktails and wines, part of the team’s push to make the experience inclusive without compromising the feel of a special night out.
Opening a new restaurant always presents challenges, and Duncan’s team has worked hard to establish a presence in a town full of beloved staples. “I think one of the biggest challenges was just becoming part of Cullman’s routine. People here are loyal to their favorites, so we have to earn our spot. And that takes time,” she explained.
However, with two new chefs and a friendly front-of-house team, the restaurant is finding its rhythm within the Cullman community.
“We’ve grown so much in the past year, from our efficiency to our team dynamic, it’s all coming together. It’s like we’re hitting our stride, and I hope people come out and give us another try or a fresh look,” Duncan said.
Looking ahead, guests can expect new wine list updates, expanded non-alcoholic offerings and the creative freedom of the culinary team.
“Our new chefs have so much passion and vision,” she said. “They’re excited to show the community what they can do, and that’s where the magic really happens.”
Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome. Visit Wissota Chophouse at the Cobblestone Hotel in Cullman at 1835 Main Ave. SW.
