New Business: Willow Tree Cafe Gets Ready for June Opening

The Willow Tree Cafe has its sign on the Muskego Centre mall display at Janesville Road and Racine Avenue, and is awaiting the electronic sign to hang over its doors, which are slated to open June 1. As owner Mary Belmore sat and chatted with Muskego Patch in the new restaurant, she promised that a lot would be happening in the next few weeks to get the space transformed from what had been Mama Mia's.

Indeed, a muralist has come in to fill one wall with a serene scene of a willow tree, a symbol of nostalgia for the Muskego resident. It was done by Victoria Hilton, a Muskego resident, which Belmore said was important to have someone local do the work.

"I've always loved the trees, and remember a neighborhood friend having them in her yard, so that's why we went with the name," Belmore said. "I wanted to include as many local tie ins as I could in building this space, too, so I was happy to have her paint this for us."

Belmore and her husband Ken decided to open the family restaurant but also give it a uniquely Muskego flair. For those who have lived here long enough, they will be happy to find the original Muskego Pizza Burger will be on the menu. For the uninitiated, it's a burger that puts the mozzarella inside the seasoned patties, and had once been a feature of a restaurant next to Muskego Elementary School.

Belmore said she started out in the restaurant business, with her mom managing Schubert's Old World on 51st Street and Howard Avenue in Milwaukee. She and her husband have been active in the Muskego community as well, serving with the Lion's Club, in scouting, the Muskego Athletic Association and Kiwanis Club over the years, so it was only natural to take both facets and become what she hopes is a Muskego staple for many years.

The restaurant will serve a traditional breakfast, but also add fried chicken and waffles to the selection, as well as their signature "Willow waffle," a belgian waffled served with ham, cheese and drizzled in syrup.

Lunches will also feature popular open-faced sandwiches, burgers, and soups, while dinners will cover many of the favorite "comfort foods," like pot roast, meat loaf and the like. Fridays will of course include a fish fry, with baked or breaded cod served. Belmore said they are also considering Michigan pasties for the menu, which is also something that's rare in these parts.

While you wait for the opening, take note that the hours will be Monday -Saturday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. You can also visit them on the web at willow-tree-cafe.com for more information.