MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — After a fire destroyed its building, a Minneapolis restaurant has returned to Bde Maka Ska in a food truck.
"This has been a whirlwind," said Louis King, owner of Lola on the Lake.
Lola on the Lake set up for Memorial Day weekend in a food truck near Thomas Beach. It's the first time they've been open since the fire.
"This is day two and we're getting a little bit of traction," King said.
On May 16, a fire destroyed the pavilion. King had been renting the pavilion from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Early speculation was that lightning may have triggered the fire that gutted the 1930's era structure but Minneapolis police later requested the public's help in identifying two persons of interest who were seen on surveillance video during the time frame the building went up in flames. Police said the woman in the video voluntarily spoke to police. No arrests have been made and the fire is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, the pavilion is scheduled to be torn down on Tuesday.
Right now, King's friend is letting Lola on the Lake run out of the Run Tell That BBQ food truck. King said they expect to have their own trailer by next week.
"I found out how many people are really supportive. It's the small things and the big things. People loan us their kitchen, loan us their food truck, help us identify a trailer. Folks sent messages... they say they'll be back and, above all, they came out and spent their money," King said.
Sunday afternoon, business was slow but King expects it'll grow as more people visit the lake and learn of their location.
"I hope they get back to business as usual as soon as possible but looks like it's a pretty good location where it is right now," said customer Jon Tolzmann of Minneapolis.
10-year-old Giovanni Hernandez of Roseville said, "I think that it's good that a lot of people are stopping at this food truck to like help for it almost."
King said they are working on adding seating and entertainment and he's also working with the MPRB to figure out a long-term plan.
During the building's demolition, both lanes of East Calhoun Parkway between 31st St. and Lake St. will be closed starting Monday, May 27 at 8 p.m. until late Tuesday night. The boat launch nearby will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday during demolition and site clean-up.
King said Lola on the Lake will not be open when it's raining. The best way to check Lola's hours is by looking on their Facebook page. 3 percent of all sales will go to rebuilding the pavilion.