A big loss for New Buffalo. The Stray Dog Bar and Grill caught fire late Tuesday night keeping firefighters busy into the early morning hours. Luckily, no one was hurt. But patrons of the popular business say they'll miss the place.
Patti Gedminas planned on celebrating her birthday Wednesday night at the Stray Dog Bar and Grill. Instead she and her family can only walk past the building in disbelief. "It's very sad, very sad. We've been coming here for years," said Gedminas.
Visitors like Patti say the Stray Dog is always packed. Probably because it's a must on anyone's agenda who is vacationing in New Buffalo. "It is part of the history of New Buffalo. We've been coming here ever since we were children," said Gedminas.
Mike Mooney owns Mooney's Blue Moon Ice Cream, which is right next door to the Stray Dog.
He said, "this is probably one of the best restaurants around. Stray Dog is famous for this town."
Being so close to the popular restaurant has been a benefit to his business. "They've helped our business a lot, big time," said Mooney.
And even though the now fire damaged building won't be packing in the crowds now, Mooney isn't worried. "I think people will still be coming. I think it'll be good. Everybody pulls together. I think it's gonna be fine," said Mooney.
He is confident the famous establishment will be back up and running in no time.
"I think the Stray Dog owners will be right back they're resilient," said Mooney.
According to the Restaurant's facebook page no one was injured in the fire. It says just the shell of the restaurant was damaged not the spirit of the Stray Dog itself. And that spirit is evident in it's customers who now want to help out. There's a shop next to the bar that sells t-shirts and things. It was not damaged and will reopen soon. Several people tell me as soon as it opens back up they'll buy as much gear as they can to help support the restaurant.
