Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Angie’s Main Cafe owner Angie Bistoff pauses behind the counter at the eatery she has owned since 1998, after working there for six years previously.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Despite many updates elsewhere in the cafe, the horseshoe-shaped counters remain unchanged at the business originally known as Dehn’s ice cream parlor.
Shawano’s classic downtown diner is sporting a new look after the establishment’s first major facelift in many years.
Angie’s Main Cafe, 132 S. Main St., welcomed patrons Wednesday to a ribbon-cutting and open house to unveil a remodeling effort that included improvements to both the eatery’s interior and exterior.
Owner Angie Bistoff called it the first significant makeover since at least 1998 when she took over the downtown business originally known as Dehn’s ice cream parlor.
“This is just incredible,” Bistoff said. “I’m so happy and excited.”
The project was funded through the Vision 2017 economic development program, which is being administered by the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce and Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. The program allocated $7,500 in grants to Angie’s Main Cafe, and Bistoff contributed matching funds for a $15,000 total investment in the 67-year-old restaurant property.
A new front entrance was created to allow for smoother movement of customer traffic down a corridor that connects Angie’s main dining room with an affiliated coffee shop and a private banquet room in the rear. Where the old front entrance was located, the restaurant now has an enlarged dining area overlooking Main Street with old-style booths designed to accent the eatery’s retro theme.
Other improvements include updated bathrooms, new exterior signage and interior mural paintings.
Left unchanged are the horseshoe-shaped counters that have been part of the property’s old-school charm since Dehn’s ice cream parlor.
Matty Mathison, a regular customer and friend of Bistoff’s, encouraged the restaurant owner to pursue the Vision 2017 program, even helping to draft the grant applications and plan the remodeling.
Mathison said she was thrilled with the finished new look, which she said gives the eatery a refreshing new appearance. She said it was gratifying to help Bistoff complete such a significant improvement to a beloved downtown landmark.
“It was a labor of love on everyone’s part,” she said.