By THERESA PROUDFIT

Staff Writer

BEECHER, Wis. – Patti Willis of Pembine, Wis. purchased the former Mary’s Place on Aug. 1, from longtime owner Mary Willis, who recently retired.

Mary’s Place has been famous for their pies and friendly service in downtown Beecher for more than 20 years. Patti’s Platter, as it has been re-named, is located on U.S.141 at the corner of Highway Z.

Willis plans to continue business as usual at the restaurant, but has extended the menu to include breakfast steak, onion tanglers, steak sandwiches, deep fried pickles and they now use a homemade gravy recipe for their biscuits and gravy.

“I’m ecstatic. It’s probably the best move I’ve made in my life,” Willis said.

The diner was updated in 2011 after a fire damaged the building. They did a complete remodel of the dining room, which can accommodate up to 65 people.

“It was updated before I took over – everything is up to snuff,” Willis added.

She has worked as a waitress at Mary Place for 17 years before taking over the business. Patti’s Platter currently employs 14 people.

Willis, who now bakes the pies, said that they are their top seller.

“We still got them great pies, but our breakfasts are excellent. You don’t find a better breakfast around,” she said.

Willis has five children – all boys who live in Pembine or the surrounding areas. Her father, Pat Willis is also an important asset at the diner.

“He does all the maintenance work here, thank God for my Dad,”she added.

Patti’s Platter in Beecher is open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.