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Minnesota Eateries

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Band Box Diner
Minneapolis, MN
The Band Box Diner was built in 1939 by Butler Manufacturing. It was the original location of a chain which had 14 other locations by 1950. In 1953, the chain was sold and, by 1972, this was the only one left. The pre-fabricated steel buildings were inspired by White Castle restaurants. The interiors featured Formica counters and fixed stools. In 1998, the diner was renovated and an addition was made to the building. The last photo above is from before the restoration. The Band Box Diner closed in 2020. [map]

former Chalet Lounge & Restaurant
St. Paul, MN
The Chalet Lounge & Restaurant building and signs appear to be from the 1960s or 1970s. The building housed Rookies Sports Bar when these photos were taken in 2011. By 2012, the building had been painted blue and was housing Freddy's Tiki Hut. By 2016, the building was vacant. By 2017, the building was housing a chiropractic office. There is a new roof and the bird in lederhosen in the gable has been covered up. The sign is gone. [map]

Sawmill Inn & Cedars Dining Room [gone]
Grand Rapids, MN
I believe the Sawmill Inn and Cedars Dining Room opened in 1973. The place closed in 2018 and was demolished later that year.

Caboose Coffee Company [gone]
Detroit Lakes, MN
The Caboose Coffee Company was housed in a simulated caboose building. It appeared to be a recent construction. These photos are from 2011. By 2013, the building was gone.

More Minnesota:
Tendermaid Hamburgers (Austin)
Whistle Stop Diner (Benson) [map]
Canton Restaurant (Burnsville)
All You Can Drink Milk (Falcon Heights)
Little Oscar's Restaurant (Hampton) [map]
former Embers Restaurant (Richfield) [map]

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