MOUNT CARROLL – A landmark restaurant in the downtown of Carroll County’s county seat has new owners, a new name, and a facelift while still paying homage to the eatery’s past.

JJ & Freddie’s at Sievert’s is the new name of the old Sievert’s Steaks and Stuff, a longtime Mount Carroll restaurant at 121 W. Market St. that was known for its pizza.

Owner Jay Upmann of Stockton said his family reopened Sievert’s under its new name on April 1.

“I’ve always enjoyed their pizza, and I talked with (former general manager) Kris Plattenberger. One thing led to another,” Upmann said.

The Upmanns, who have a JJ and Freddie’s in Stockton, didn’t rush in to reopening the Mount Carroll restaurant

They bought Sievert’s in September 2018, and took their time redoing it, inside and out – although “it’s not a remodel,” he said.

The green awning over Sieverts’ entrance was replaced with a JJ & Freddie’s at Sievert’s sign, featuring a bear.

Inside, the dark wood paneling made way for lighter colors on the walls, one of which features a large metal “JJ & F.””We added maybe only about another 10 seats,” Upmann said.

While the new owners have left their mark, plenty of Sievert’s’ past remains. Photos of Mount Carroll’s downtown and other items from the restaurant’s history are part of the decor.

The menu features appetizers, more than a dozen sandwiches and burgers, dinner, a selection of pastas, kids meals, desserts, and – of course – pizza.

Like the look of the restaurant, Sievert’s signature pizza has become a synthesis of the old and the new.

“We have our Market Street pizza, with Sievert’s crust and our recipe otherwise,” he said.

The pizza also comes in thicker and thinner crust choices.

Sievert’s also has a rotating staff, with Upmann’s son, Cameron, 22, and Megan Schwitz co-managing the restaurant. JJ and Freddie’s staff rotate between the Mount Carroll and Stockton sites, so customers can see their favorite staff members.

“We like to be engaged with customers,” Upmann said.