Siblings take over Woodstock Cafe

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — A new chapter is underway at Woodstock Cafe where Vermilion siblings Jonathan and Haley Bellis have taken the lead at the longtime Main Street business, carrying it forward as a family-backed venture entering its next phase in downtown Vermilion. After years under previous owner Jim Lowder, Woodstock Cafe, 665 Main St. in the downtown district, remains a familiar part of the city's lakefront business district. Now the Bellis family is building on that foundation in a seasonal town where staying active year-round brings its own challenges. The transition, finalized in late September, gave the siblings an immediate introduction to that reality. "It hasn't been all that long," said Jonathan, noting they stepped in just as the slower winter months arrived. The offseason gave them time to learn the operation, settle in with staff and prepare for the busier months ahead. Rather than reinventing the cafe, the Bellises said they are building on what customers already know while adding their own touches through expanded hours, in-house coffee roasting and a stronger focus on music and atmosphere. Earlier mornings, in-house roasted coffee One of the biggest changes under the new leadership is earlier hours. Woodstock Cafe now opens at 7 a.m., offering coffee and pastries for the morning crowd instead of waiting until 11 a.m. Closed on Mondays, it starts every other day for coffee service, begins lunch service at 11 a.m. and stays open later in the week, especially Thursdays through Saturdays. Coffee is a major focus under the new leadership. "I roast the coffee here," Jonathan said. "It's as close to direct trade as I can get." He said that approach reflects the care being put into both sourcing and roasting with an emphasis on quality from start to finish. The cafe's coffee menu includes drinks like the Woodstock Breve, Moonbear Mocha, Sunshine Daydream latte and Terrapin Turtle Latte along with classics such as espresso, cappuccino, cold brew and pour-over coffee. Pastries are available in the morning, including baked goods made by the siblings' mother, Margaret Bellis. Food, craft beer, music At 11 a.m., Woodstock Cafe shifts into lunch service. The menu includes thin, stone-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads and shareable items, like bruschetta and hummus platters. Panini-style sandwiches, sub sandwiches and a kids' menu are also available. The Bellises said the menu remains a mix of what customers know with room to continue building on it. Craft beer is another part of the mix, helping shape the relaxed, stay-awhile atmosphere they want to create. "It's a niche menu," Jonathan said. "We don't have a deep fryer. We try to use local produce and meats when they're in season, and it's a healthier alternative. The vibe is something you don't really see around here. It's very homey with an eclectic mix of music and artwork." Music remains a central identity Live music is set to return in a more regular way this season. The first Third Thursday performance on May 21 will kick off the cafe's live music season, which will also feature local bands every Friday evening beginning in May. "It's the whole theme of the place," Jonathan said. "We're huge into music." The Bellises are also working to expand those offerings, particularly on the patio, bringing back something that had previously been a staple of the location. Inside, playlists and decor help carry that identity, blending classic influences with newer sounds. Learning the rhythm of the seasons Taking over just before winter meant slower months were expected. "I didn't know how January would feel," said Jonathan, adding that February turned out better than expected, helped in part by events like the Ice Affair and a strong Valentine's Day weekend. By March, business had started to get busier. "It picked up pretty noticeably," Haley said. With that in mind, the Bellises have already started hiring and training staff ahead of the summer rush. "We just want everybody ready," Haley said. For Jonathan and Haley, the goal is not to replace what longtime customers liked about Woodstock Cafe, but to build on it while bringing fresh energy to a place many Vermilion residents already know. With warmer weather approaching and plans for more live music, they are preparing for their first full busy season at the helm of the restaurant.