Wilson's Restaurant, Ephraim, Door County. Photo by Dan Plutchak/Door County Shore Report
Wilson's Restaurant, Ephraim, Door County. Photo by Dan Plutchak/Door County Shore Report

EPHRAIM — There are few other things on the peninsula that say “Door County” more than the red and white striped awnings at Wilson’s Restaurant in Ephraim.

Now, fans will have a chance to own their own piece of Door County memorabilia.

After teasing the announcement for several days on social media, the restaurant revealed (WATCH) that the old awning they had replaced a few years ago has been transformed to create beach bags that go on sale Aug. 1, 2024.

“When we replaced our old awning a few years ago, we contacted our friend Tracey Donohue (@baggage_and_co) to find a way to create something new from the old,” read a post Friday morning on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Donohue and her team cleaned the old awning and was able to create 33 unique tote bags, each individually numbered.

These limited-edition beach totes are waterproof and because they are made from Wilson’s actual awning, each tote bag has its own unique wear pattern on the fabric.

The tote bags will go on sale at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.

Only 33 bags were created, so Wilson’s is encouraging those interested to arrive early.

Bags will be available for purchase on a first come, first served basis, in-person at the restaurant, only.

No holds or reservations will be accepted.

The bags retail at $200 each.



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By Dan Plutchak

Dan Plutchak, born and raised in Kaukauna, is cofounder of Kaukauna Community News.