Wayne Cousino, Chef Tad’s father, is seen here
in about 1945 with some of the monster potatoes
from the family farm.

Once upon a time, in 1994, owners Tad and Catherine Cousino embarked on a great adventure. This great adventure led them to the Frog Leg Inn. It had its humble beginnings about 90 years ago as a roadhouse restaurant. And today, Tad and Catherine are taking this restaurant to new heights.

Back in l994, the Frog Leg Inn was serving pizza, which was an area legend. That menu included pizza recipes that were created in the 1950s. By contrast, today’s menu at the Frog Leg Inn has ‘turned the tables’ on traditional cooking. It has exploded with culinary specialties that embrace a nouveau French country inn. The menu suggests such dishes as frog legs, of course, as well as quality beef products, jet fresh seafood, New Zealand lamb chops, and a variety of chicken, pork and pasta dishes. Chef Tad, who has an extreme passion for French classical and ethnic cuisine, has worked to hone his ability to create sauces that make most every dish a signature item. This is what keeps people coming back for more! It has become their trademark in the industry. In fact, the sauces have gained such popularity, that some of them have made their way into the retail marketplace.

Nevertheless, there is another element that makes the dining experience very special. When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by that charming French woman who makes you feel as if you stepped back in time…when the customer was like family. Co-owner and wife, Catherine Cousino, is primarily responsible for this magic. She was born and raised in the north of France, and the daughter of parents who were proprietors of a boucher, or butcher shop. Catherine is trained in the culinary field, and is highly skilled in all manners of table service. Her personality creates the atmosphere of dining in some quaint country bistro found in European settings. Her love of pleasing the guest is obvious, but it doesn’t stop there. Frequent visitors can tell you that the staff has the same desire to extend their kind hearts and hospitality. Being aware of the guests’ needs is vital to all of the staff. Tad and Catherine approach their business with the same European mentality as their ancestors: “Excellent service and a quality dining experience at a fair price!” Total guest satisfaction and commitment to excellence are key elements to the success at the Frog Leg Inn.

Very recently, Tad & Catherine have taken their skills on the road with them. Frog Leg Inn was recently awarded the foodservice operations at the Monroe County Community College. Along with that is the exclusive right to provide foodservice at the LaZBoy Center on campus. Designed as a business training and performing arts center, they prepare food for such people as LaZBoy Incorporated, Monroe Bank & Trust, DTE Energy, and Mercy Memorial Hospital, to name a few. Such headliners as the Original Spin Doctors, Richard Jeni, Jonathon Taylor, and the voice of Tiger baseball, Mr. Ernie Harwell, have also tasted Chef Tad’s delicacies. The Frog Leg Inn Bistro, created in August 2005, serves the students and staff of the College, as well as serving the public. In addition, their approach to food is the same at the College as it is at the restaurant.

Whether at the Frog Leg Inn Restaurant, the Frog Leg Inn Bistro, or at the LaZBoy Center, their food and service is the same. They look forward to serving your needs wherever you might find them!