Kopper Kettle: The Place to See, to Eat, to Enjoy

For over a century, Kopper Kettle has served family-style meals along the charming Main Street of Morristown. But their staple fare is not the only thing family-oriented about the antique homestead-turned-dining-room.

Originally owned by the Vredenburg family, the Kettle changed hands to Leigh and Kristi Langkabel 28 years ago, but one thing that never changed was how the guests left with memories they’d never forget.

In true Kopper Kettle fashion, the family made very few additions or modifications to their long-standing menu and environment, and in turn, the Kettle became a sense of memory of flavor and atmosphere for a generation of regulars. From the eclectic decor in every nook of the home to the warm towel served after a round of perfectly crispy, steaming hot fried chicken, there’s no better place to see, eat, or enjoy than the Kopper Kettle.

“At lunchtime we’ve added the expansion of all different kinds of salads—western salad, grilled chicken salad, fried chicken salad—all that kind of stuff in the restaurant,” Langkabel said. “When we purchased the Kopper Kettle, they only had in the contract that they didn’t want me to change the antiques throughout the restaurant and the recipes.”

Inside the dining room full of antiques and original furnishings, the unique tables and their respective settings all hold their own individual histories—some a little sillier than others.

“Instead of a numbering system, these tables are named differently,” Langkabel said. “And when I came in, that was one of my lessons of learning—you don’t change it. We have a table called AC because there used to be a big air conditioning unit way back when, and then over there we have Lazy Susan and French Door.”

Although they aren’t originally from Indiana, the Langkabel family was already familiar with the Kopper Kettle before purchasing it, thanks in part to its highly praised fried chicken. Word of Muriel Vredenburg’s famous recipe made it all the way to Langkabel in his former Michigan home.

“I’ve learned to really be a part of the chicken, and our products here. We cook in lard, salt, and pepper seasoning, and it’s just a great product,” Langkabel said.

From how the Langkabels brought up their own children to the kitchen and waiting staff operating as one big family, the core values of the Kopper Kettle are reflected in every bite you share with those around you.

“My children are a big part of the restaurant,” Langkabel said, “but when they were going through school, my goal was to make sure they knew they were not going to be solely dependent on the restaurant. And when I get in front of the team in our staff meetings, I try to be a little more energetic—talking about improvements, constantly winning the customers over—and just really finding out why the customers are here.”

Outside of the many conjoining dining rooms, a well-manicured garden along a scenic path is a labor of love for the Langkabel family that offers an entirely different atmosphere for the Kettle’s guests. The outdoor areas and indoor dining create a favorite destination for youth sports teams and library groups to come together over a community meal. Langkabel runs a championship program where school athletic groups can get a discount on chicken meals. Langkabel said, “In return, I get to, depending on the age, discuss where they are in life, the importance of what they’re doing by being a part of the sports team, and kind of touch base on the benefits of it.”

More than just a restaurant, the Langkabels—and Vredenburgs before them—have formed an undeniable bond amongst their community, and although Morristown may be small, these family-ties are what make the whole process worthwhile.