Yarusso's and Rudies: Two Fire Gutted St. Paul Businesses Reopen

Yarusso's, the Italian restaurant on St. Paul's east side, is probably the oldest family-owned restaurant in the Twin Cities. Operating in the same location since 1933, the motorcycle loving, family friendly, The Godfather screening, Rat Pack decorated restaurant was devastated by a fire in February that destroyed much of the ceiling and caused $140,000 in damage. After repairs, renovations and a remodel, the grand reopening is Friday July 31 through Sunday August 2, 2009. Yarusso's may have been operating since 1933 but the third generation of the family that currently operates the restaurant have Facebook along with their grandparent's recipes. Become a Facebook fan, or join their email list for internet-only specials.

Another St. Paul business that went up in flames earlier this year has recently re-opened. Rudies Coffee Shop was gutted in a January fire that police are currently investigating as a suspected arson attack. The shop was extensively damaged but after months of work, reopened in mid July. Music and moving loving Rudies has an open mic night on Sundays, and movie night on Wednesday with free popcorn.