Sweet Success: Lakewood Cafe Serves Up Deliciousness and Delights
Winter, Wisconsin - a village in northern Wisconsin with a population of just 331 is home to the Tuscobia State Trail, access to various lakes and trails, the School District of Winter, and a handful of some of the best restaurants you'll find in northern Wisconsin.
The Lakewood Cafe sits at the heart of the village of Winter, home to delicious homemade pies, a mouthwater fish fry, a hot beef sandwich special, and homemade jams - to name a few. This family-owned and operated Cafe is a pillar of the community, home to a quick cup of coffee, breakfast with a friend before work, or maybe you want a quick bite during your lunch break, whatever your flavor, you'll find the Lakewood Cafe jam packed with locals and passerbys.
If you ask anyone that knows the Lakewood Cafe, they're famously known for their Lakewood Omelet or Loaded Skillet. Another local favorite is the Beef Philly, or was it the made-from-scratch Chicken Dumpling Soup? Maybe it was the french toast, or the hash and eggs special. Sorry, it was the made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy. As a matter of fact, you really can't go wrong with any of the items on the menu.
History of the Lakewood Cafe
The Lakewood Cafe is the focus of this article, loaded with rich history dating back to the year of 1900 when it was the Lakewood Cafe & Hotel. In 1923 the Lakewood Cafe & Hotel was destroyed by a fire, and rebuilt shortly later in 1925 and used primarily by salesmen utilizing the train. In 1940, the Lakewood Cafe was remodeled and opened for public dining, and would eventually change hands a half dozen times.
In 1997 Jill Petit purchased the business and property from Virginia Langille and remodeled as well as replaced everything in the Cafe. Petit slowly started to add more equipment to help accommodate the growing menu and customer base.
In 2015, Petit added the coffee brewers and equipment to make lattes, frappes and mochas which were a huge hit for those looking to get that morning brew with a little something extra. In 2018, Petit added the liquor license and states to sell a lot of Bloody Marys and Mimosas.
Jill Petit, a waitress in high school and self-taught to cook and bake pies from scratch worked at the School District of Winter for roughly 4 years. She saw that the Cafe was for sale, and wanted to take the leap into business ownership.
The Lakewood Cafe Today
Today, the Lakewood Cafe as previously mentioned is a pillar in the community as an employer, sponsor, and donor of various causes. As a big supporter of the youth, Jill Petit employs high school students and in some cases their parents to help keep the business flowing like a well-oiled machine.
Petit expanded service to include catering, which is something that hasn't been widely known. However, Lakewood Cafe does catering for funerals, weddings, graduation parties, and other events. She cites the most commonly requested items are the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, roast beef and obviously the homemade jams.
Another hot commodity are the homemade pies, in the summer months she sees a lot of the Strawberry Rhubarb pies fly out of the cooler.
Supporting the Community
The Lakewood Cafe has been a strong supporter of Winter Warriors athletics. The Winter Warriors Boys Basketball program approached Petit to inquire about a special program to help promote the Cafe and connect it to the sports program. The program was to promote Gunnar Greuel, an all-state basketball performer, the states all-time leading rebounder, and in 2023-2024 the nation's leading rebounder. Gunnar's favorite item on the menu was the Beef Philly, so as such the program included donating $2.20 for every Beef Philly sold in honor of Gunnar's 2/20 season which included averaging 20 points and 20 rebounds for the season.
Dinner for Two
Explore Southern Sawyer County would like to show their gratitude and thanks to the Lakewood Cafe, and as such will be buying a Dinner for Two on Fish Fry Friday for one lucky winner in the month of April.
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