The late Leroy Jolstad was a pitching mainstay for Mankato Happy Chef men’s fastpitch team.
By Patrick Reusse / August 23, 2015
StarTribune
MANKATO – The Happy Chef restaurant and adjoining property are for sale. It’s the original and surviving restaurant from a collection of 63 that were once operated in the Midwest by the Fredrick brothers.
“We’re still in business,” said Tom Fredrick, 81. “We’re going to stay in business.”
Mention Happy Chef and many people think of the towering, round Happy Chef figure that stood in front of numerous restaurants — and remains smiling today next to Hwy. 169 as you enter Mankato.
Mention Happy Chef to others and they think of something else near extinction: men’s fastpitch softball.