Ed Mattson has fond memories of the Magic Skillet Restaurant in northeast Brainerd and his latest business pays homage to that since-closed Washington institution at 123 Washington St. NE

On Monday his staff opened the doors at the Skillet Restaurant, a seven-day-a-week restaurant at the site of the Magic Skillet and subsequently the E Squared Cafe.

“As a kid growing up in the area I spent a lot of time at the Magic Skillet,” he said. “It was always a busy place and the food was fantastic.”

The new restaurant, which had a soft opening, was renovated and a new menu was established.

“We had a really great response,” Mattson said “People have been showing up like crazy.”

Mark Nesheim is the manager and executive chef. He previously was executive chef at Iven’s on the Bay and Black Bear Lodge and Saloon. Mattson is the owner of Mattson Properties, which is involved with both commercial and residential properties.

The Skillet makes its pies and breads fresh. Customers may purchase pies, muffins and cheesecakes (which Mattson said are “fantastic”) to go.

Mattson, 43, said he thinks the restaurant fits well in the neighborhood and provides and alternative to fast food.

“Anytime you make food fresh and you do it quick, you’re going to draw people.”

Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

Mattson said about six people are working at the restaurant, some full-time and some part-time. The nights that the restaurant is closed it is available for private parties.

MIKE O’ROURKE may be reached at 855-5860 or mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com. He may be followed on Twitter at MikeORourkenews.