“As a little girl, I dreamed of having a tearoom,” said Ann Stodgel as she reflected on the past 37 years as owner and operator of P. L. Johnson’s restaurant in Bishop Hill.
She and her husband, Marty, had no food service experience at the time of their purchase, but Ann was a good cook and they met the challenge head-on. Now, after nearly four decades of offering delicious Swedish-style food items, the restaurant, a well-known establishment for great meals and desserts is under new ownership.
The original P.L. Johnson’s opened his hardware store in the building in 1896. Johnson had hopes of being the largest store in the area with his offerings of dry goods, hardware and bicycles.
When the Stodgels bought the building, they found boxes of his nails. Several antique bicycles still hang from the ceiling – paying homage to the original owner. Keeping the aging structure takes work, but the couple has kept it in good shape without changing much of the original building. It’s easy to find, with its bright yellow exterior and wide front porch.
Geneseo native Jennifer Jude, who took over the reins on August 3, is excited about her new role and looks forward to working with the current staff. No changes in hours or the menu are planned at this time.
“I have Kim Gehling from The Kewanee Voice to thank for giving me the push to take on the restaurant,” said Jude. “I waited on her when I worked at the Cellar in Geneseo and when I mentioned I’d love my own restaurant, she said ‘Just follow your dream’ and told me to do it.”
After hearing about P.L.’s being for sale, she jumped at the chance to buy it.
“Our conversation started over her cheesecake recipe,” Jude said, “it pointed the way to my new career.”
Ann’s husband Marty, who has a full-time job with Henry County and owns a laundromat in nearby Galva, is a big part of the restaurant’s success. As chief maintenance man, weekend host and frequent grocery shopper, he gets high praise from his wife.
“It’s been a team effort all along,” said Ann. “And we are both looking forward to passing the torch to the new owner.”
When asked about the hardest part of running a restaurant seven days a week, both Stodgels agreed that the Covid outbreak really hurt.
“But we made it work with carry-outs and take-and-bake casseroles,” she said. “When we could serve outside, customers willingly brought heating pads and blankets to the seating on our front porch.”
“After the Covid restrictions were over, we went from serving seven days a week to six,” Marty said. “It wasn’t much of a change, but it did give us a bit of time to catch up on family and our household.”
When asked about the best part of running a restaurant, Ann was quick with a reply.
“The customers and the staff,” she said, adding that she has enjoyed getting to know the customers, many of whom are repeat visitors. She also credits the staff. “They are all like family to me. They have been a Godsend by helping me with the business and taking over when I couldn’t be here.”
Their website contains reviews of the food and service with comments such as “Comforting, delicious, and home cooked.” The food is praised for its quality and variety, with the rhubarb pie being “a standout dessert.” And, “Service is always the best and the owners really do look to make everyone’s meal and dining the best that they can.”
Swedish meatballs, a chicken salad fruit plate, cabbage rolls and great sandwiches are just a few of the more popular items on the menu, with lingonberry tea, bread pudding and an assortment of pies topping the dessert list.
The Stodgels are looking forward to spending time at home. The parents of two children and grandparents of five, both want to be homebodies for a while.
“Working seven days a week for 37 years makes us excited about having an unstructured schedule,” said Ann, with Marty adding “We both loved the restaurant, but want to enjoy life with our family now.”
After the notion of retirement sets in, Ann plans to do some volunteer work and spend more time with her grandchildren.
“After nearly 40 years of working, it’s time to hang up my apron. I’m sad and happy at the same time.”
P.L. Johnson’s is located just north of the village park at 110 W. Bjorkland St. in Bishop Hill. Lunch is served from 11 am to 2 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (309) 927-3855.
