Muddled Thyme Pizza: A Culinary Twist

There’s something new cooking in downtown Winona, and locals are already talking. Nestled in a historic building just down the road from 507 Company, a fresh new eatery is making waves with its combination of artisan pizza, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibe that perfectly blends upscale charm with laid-back.

The restaurant is owned by local entrepreneur Jo Marks—already a familiar name in town thanks to her long-standing success with Blooming Grounds Coffee House. With a deep love for culinary exploration, Jo brought this new concept to life after a trip to visit her sister in Tacoma, Washington. While there, she discovered Bar Rosa, a pizza-and-cocktail haven that sparked the idea for a Winona version.

“I wanted to create something that didn’t already exist here,” said Marks. “This space became available and had such historic character, it was the perfect setting. After that visit to Bar Rosa, I knew what I wanted to bring to Winona—something fresh, something fun, and definitely from scratch.”

The menu reflects that inspiration, offering a solid lineup of crowd-pleasing favorites alongside bold, rotating specials. Every week, the team rolls out new appetizers and street tacos—yes, tacos at a pizza place—and they’ve quickly become customer favorites. Each week also features a special pizza creation, giving guests something new to try from Wednesday through Saturday. And to keep the drinks just as exciting, a brand-new cocktail menu is introduced monthly, curated by the restaurant’s in-house mixologist—who also happens to be Marks’ son

The crown jewel of the kitchen is an imported brick oven, assembled in Virginia with parts from Italy and weighing in at two tons. Getting it into the building was no small feat. “We had to reinforce the floor, remove the front windows and even the facade,” Marks recalled. “It was a whole operation—but worth every bit of it. The oven makes incredible pizza, fast.”

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The support from Winona has been fantastic,” said Marks. “People appreciate having a new dining option that offers something a little different, while still feeling familiar and welcoming.”

And familiar is just what Marks does best. In addition to this latest venture, she’s the owner of Blooming Grounds Coffee House, a beloved local staple she’s run for more than two decades, along with its express location that includes a convenient drive-through.

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Margherita, a surprising taco twist, or a signature cocktail dreamed up right here in town, Winona’s new brick oven pizza spot is quickly becoming a must-visit destination.