TOWN OF ELLSWORTH – The 715 Steer & Beer bar and restaurant in rural Ellsworth is closed after a fire gutted its kitchen last Thursday.
According to a news release from the Ellsworth …
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TOWN OF ELLSWORTH – The 715 Steer & Beer bar and restaurant in rural Ellsworth is closed after a fire gutted its kitchen last Thursday.
According to a news release from the Ellsworth Fire Department, firefighters responded at 11:06 a.m. Thursday, June 1 to W6087 US Highway 10. Multiple callers had reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the building.
Ellsworth Assistant Fire Chief Kellen Langer said one employee was in the building at the time the fire started, in the process of opening for the day. They were able to get out safely with no injuries.
Langer said warm temperatures were “definitely a factor” in knocking down the blaze. Crews were on the scene for about 4.5 hours to fully extinguish the fire, check for hot spots and ventilate the building. The kitchen was a total loss while the bar portion had heavy smoke damage.
The business is owned by Josh Rhy, who posted the following message on the business’s Facebook page Thursday, June 2.
“Sadly we won't be posting any fabulous food specials today or fun cocktails. Many of us are waking up this morning with emptiness. Tragedy struck our family yesterday. Thankfully no injuries took place. This place was operated by a great family of coworkers and patronized by the most amazing customers. Please keep all the employees in your prayers as we navigate this unknown path leading forward,” Rhy wrote.
According to an employee, about 20 people worked at the business, with about four to five being full-time. She said Rhy hopes to reopen the business. Before it became 715, it was the T-Bar and before that, the Triangle.
“My mother’s family starting making burgers in a frying pan to sell to customers here in the 1940s, in the same part of the building that burned on Thursday,” said Amanda Weber on Facebook.
Plum City Fire, River Falls Fire and Prescott Fire provided mutual aid at the scene, while United Fire & Rescue provided station coverage in Ellsworth and Red Wing Fire provided coverage in the southern fire district. Ellsworth Area EMS, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and Ellsworth Police also assisted.
