Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Scott Williams The new Anello’s Torch Lite, built adjacent to where the original burned down, is designed to recapture the atmosphere of the beloved Shawano supper club.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Electrical contractor Jeff Van De Hei works behind a curved wooden wall inside the new Anello’s Torch Lite restaurant under construction on Shawano’s east side.
It has been a long road back, but Anello’s Torch Lite is just about ready to shine once more.
Destroyed by fire 15 months ago, the landmark Shawano restaurant has nearly completed a rebuilding effort and has scheduled a May 2 grand opening.
Customers already are trying to get reservations, and some private parties are booked for future dates.
Although construction crews are still on site, owner Rita Mondus said the new restaurant is taking shape and employees are eager to get back to work.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Mondus said, “because I know it’s going to be lovely.”
Located on Shawano’s east side at 1276 E. Green Bay St., Anello’s Torch Lite was a popular destination for decades, and was notorious in the 1920s as a favorite spot for gangsters such as Al Capone.
Mondus acquired the business in 1981 and enjoyed great success until fire broke and left the historic eatery in ruins on Dec. 30, 2014. After months of planning and soul-searching, Mondus and her husband, John, announced that they would rebuild.
Crews broke ground in October on a site directly adjacent to where the original restaurant stood. Plans initially called for a December reopening, but glitches and delays pushed back the schedule again and again.
With work almost done, the restaurant is scheduled to be back in operation April 27 for a private party planned by Thrivent Financial.
Thrivent associate Jordan Opperman said the firm’s invitation-only event was planned many weeks ago when organizers thought the new restaurant would already be up and running. Discovering that the event will mark the rebirth of Anello’s makes the occasion extra special, Opperman said.
“It’s a landmark,” she said of the restaurant. “And I’m really excited to be participating in their opening event.”
The new establishment, with seating for more than 100 people, has been designed to recapture the atmosphere of the former supper club while adding new comforts and amenities. The new dining room and bar feature a vaulted ceiling that slopes upward, surrounded by natural stone finishes, wood tones and mirrors.
Led by Rodac Development & Construction of Green Bay, construction crews labored through the long Wisconsin winter to keep the project moving forward.
Crews on Friday were installing interior light fixtures, with kitchen equipment and other furnishings due to arrive starting next week.
Judy Stoltenow, the once and future head waitress for Anello’s, was on site Friday to assist Mondus. Stoltenow said she was thrilled to see the new place nearly ready for its dramatic rebirth.
“I’m just waiting — get me in here,” she said with a smile. “It’s going to be wonderful.”
After the grand opening May 2, Mondus and her employees have their sights set on presenting an impressive Mother’s Day brunch on May 8.
Another group planning an event in the new restaurant, the Shawano Lake Lions Club, expects to have as many as 50 people in attendance to experience the new Anello’s. The club has booked a private party there for June 20.
Club President Jim Martin said he was a big fan of the original Anello’s, and he looks forward to seeing what Mondus and her husband have come up with for an encore.
“I’m real excited for them,” Martin said. “They’ve been working hard to bring it back. You’ve got to wish them luck.”