by Don Steen
Staff Writer • reporter@psci.net
SANTA CLAUS – Fat Santa’s is officially open for business across from Santa’s Lodge. Members of the Spencer County Chamber of Commerce and other guests gathered Saturday, November 18 to join the DeHaven Family for a ribbon cutting outside the new restaurant. Owners Zach and Kati DeHaven happened to be celebrating their anniversary that same day. The two have three children, Channing, Aubrey, and Khloe.
This is technically a second location for the business, as the DeHavens have operated Fat Boys Pizza in Newburgh for seven years now. A sales representative for the company saw that the former Frosty’s Fun Center in Santa Claus was open and relayed that information to Zach, who found the location appealing.
“We came up and gave it a try,” he said.
The new restaurant’s menu features everything from burgers, salads, specialty and classic sandwiches, as well as pizza. There are also desserts available, including ice cream.
Notably, Fat Santa’s will be open throughout the week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Chamber of Commerce Director Kathy Reinke thanked the DeHavens for bringing a new restaurant to the community. She noted that the full-week schedule will offer a great deal of variety to local residents and visitors alike.
The family and their employees have been working hard to prepare for Saturday’s grand opening practically all the way to the last minute. In the end, they were ready to welcome customers right on time for the holiday season in America’s Christmas Hometown.
“It all came together,” said Zach. “And perfect timing.”
photos by Don Steen
Featured Image: Members of the Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, friends, and employees joined the DeHaven Family at a ribbon cutting for their new restaurant in Santa Claus, Fat Santa’s.
Zach and Kati DeHaven stand with their daughters Khloe and Aubrey. Their son, Channing, had other obligations that day.
A view of the exterior of the new Fat Santa’s restaurant.
A view of the interior of Fat Santa’s. Inside their are TVs to view sporting events for the older kids and adults, as well as a variety of fun arcade games to keep the younger kids occupied.
Fat Santa’s provides an extensive menu of ready-to-go pizzas, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, salads, sides, and kids options.