The renowned fast food joint, Band Box Diner in Minneapolis has made a triumphant return after a hiatus lasting more than three years. Due to its long absence, it was assumed by some that this eatery may never be returning. However, that is not the case.

This iconic dining establishment delighted its fans by unveiling an “Open” sign on its Facebook page, affirming the long-awaited reopening. Operating hours are set for Wednesday through Friday, spanning from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. As you can imagine, the Facebook update was well received by locals who commented with excitement regarding the re-opening.

Nestled at the intersection of 10th Street and 14th Avenue in the Elliot Park neighborhood since 1939, this charming little diner temporarily shuttered its doors in March 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the easing of restrictions later that year, the diminutive size of the restaurant made it challenging to implement social distancing measures. Additionally, Heather Ptacek, one of the owners, was undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the time, further complicating the reopening process.

In October 2021, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by members of the community, aimed at securing the necessary funds for the diner’s revival. A total of $26,143 was raised, enabling essential repairs to the premises due to vandalism and modernization of the plumbing and lighting systems.