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WINNEBAGO - Take a step into the Winnebago Grill and you'll feel like time has turned back a little.

The new restaurant, owned by Scott and Mae Robertson, quietly opened its kitchen Thursday and Friday nights, and will be open tonight, with a grand opening 6 a.m. Monday for breakfast.

The supper and lunch fare is burgers, fries, steaks, walleye and similar goodies. But what helps make the "W" Grill unique is an ice cream shop, featuring an old-fashioned style counter complete with silver-based, red topped bar stools.

Have a seat at the counter and a smiling waitress - or even Scott Robertson himself - will spin out a shake, malt, sundae or float.

Over the past few weeks, the restaurant - formerly Bake My Day - has been transformed. Instead of orange-and-green walls, they're now red. Winnebago red. Windows are adorned with red-and-white checked treatments and wooden chairs have red cushions. A giant "W" - surrounded by black-and-white checked tile - greets visitors.

"When I found out that it was going to close up, I didn't want Main Street to have an empty business," said Scott, adding that he had some restaurant experience at Dairy Queen in the '60s and '70s.

Robertson's other "hats" include being the owner of Precision Concrete and Chamber of Commerce president. Mae owns Bittersweet Mercantile, a sewing, flower and craft shop.

"We wanted to try a new venture," he said. "It's a place for people to come eat, have a good time, and reminisce about Winnebago. ... I absolutely would not have done it without Joyce Scofield."

Scofield is the manager, who has experience in the kitchen with the American Legion, Riverside Country Club, Winnemart and Casey's.

Even though it has a Winnebago theme, and will soon feature old photos of former Winnebago restaurants, Winnebago High School lettermen's jackets, cheerleading outfits and other memorabilia, neighboring towns may be added in the future.

The only memorabilia currently on the wall is an old metal sign for Bob's Beach - an attraction that was near Delavan on Bass Lake.

"I think it is kind of like a walk back in the past - if you can think back that far," Scofield said. "Everyone has worked very, very hard. We're just looking forward to a good time and a good response."

The Winnebago Grill is nestled into 11 Main St. South and will be open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday for breakfast and lunch. It will be open Thursday-Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for three meals.