One of downtown Dowagiac’s most preeminent destinations is gearing up for a big comeback.

After spending several years on the market for sale, Front Street’s Round Oak Restaurant is under new ownership — who are preparing the business for its re-debut to customers, under the name “Round Oak Revisited.” The new restaurant is slated to open early next year, around late January or early February.

Dowagiac’s Cindy and Bob Brosnan purchased the 10,000-square-foot building from previous owner Doug McKay in early September, and have been working ever since with contractors to get the facility, which has been closed since May 2013, back into shape.

Cindy, who spent 25 years working as a registered nurse and 15 years working in sales marketing, had been eying the building for several months before finally committing to a purchase, she said. She and Bob had just recently moved back to Dowagiac from Decatur last year, with Cindy looking to begin a new chapter in her life by becoming her own boss, she said.

To help with the new venture, the couple turned to their daughter, Jolene, who has 16 years of experience working and managing restaurants. Jolene will serve as the general manager of the business, running the day-to-day operations while Cindy handles the business aspects, she said.

“I always wanted to own my business,” Cindy said. “With her [Jolene’s] experience and my marketing background, it was a great fit.”

Cindy, who used to visit the restaurant around the time it first opened more than 30 years ago, instantly fell in love with the space after McKay showed it to her, she said. While updating much of the décor, lighting, furniture, the owners will continue to showcase the original wooden paneling that comprise most of the building, Cindy said.

“We want to preserve what Doug did, but we also want to fine tune the concept and give it our own personal touch,” Cindy said.

The menu will focus on American-style dishes, such as steaks, seafood, fresh made pastas, salads — all prepared with a focus on fresh ingredients, Jolene said. The restaurant will be spilt into two areas — the main dining room, which will offer a traditional eating experience and a bar/bistro area, which will be a more laid-back kind of environment.

“We want it to be where someone can sit in the lounge and enjoy some wings and watch the game, or they can sit in our dining room and have a filet mignon,” Jolene said.

The bar area will also offer a selection of craft beers and wines, mainly from local breweries and wineries, Cindy said.

With many in the community already learning about the imminent reopening of the restaurant, Cindy and her family have received a lot of positive feedback about their new business, she said. A few residents have even requested reservations for when it reopens, Cindy added.

“We want to make this a place for the community,” Cindy said. “It will be a place for people to gather, where everyone feels comfortable.”