Jakeeno’s Pizza, a cherished family-owned restaurant in South Minneapolis, faced a setback when a fire damaged its building in July. While the owners await insurance resolution, local supporters have raised thousands to help maintain staff wages during the rebuilding process.
- Fire struck Jakeeno’s Pizza in July, closing the restaurant.
- A community-led GoFundMe raised $21,000 to aid staff wages.
- Fans can also support by purchasing Jakeeno’s sauces and frozen pizzas locally.
What happened
In the early morning hours of July 11th, a fire broke out at Jakeeno’s Pizza, a well-loved pizzeria located at the corner of Chicago Avenue and 36th Street in South Minneapolis. Firefighters responded quickly to the scene, finding an active blaze beneath the roof membrane. They had to open several parts of the roof to extinguish the fire, but thankfully, the restaurant was closed and empty at the time, so no one was harmed. The damage primarily affected the building and finances, prompting a temporary closure as repairs and insurance claims are underway.
Jakeeno’s Pizza is a family-run business, owned by sisters Amy and Patty Keegan, with decades of history in the community. The restaurant has endured a variety of challenges over its 50-year history, including economic downturns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and civil unrest nearby. Following this recent fire, the sisters remain hopeful and focused on rebuilding and reopening their doors.
Why it feels good
The local community has shown a strong spirit of support for Jakeeno’s staff affected by the closure. A hospitality entrepreneur organized a GoFundMe campaign to help pay wages to the cooks, waitstaff, and bartenders who find their jobs on pause during the reconstruction. As of now, nearly 300 donors have contributed over $21,000, demonstrating the neighborhood’s appreciation and commitment to keeping the team financially stable while the restaurant is out of commission.
This outpouring of generosity highlights the close ties between Jakeeno’s and its loyal customers, who consider the pizzeria part of their shared history and daily life. It’s a heartwarming reminder of how communities rally in times of need, choosing to lift each other up rather than let setbacks define them.
What to enjoy or watch next
While waiting for Jakeeno’s to reopen, supporters can continue helping by purchasing the restaurant’s branded pasta sauces and frozen pizzas, which are sold at various local grocery stores and co-ops. This allows fans to enjoy a taste of their favorite eatery at home while providing financial support during this challenging time.
Looking ahead, the community and Jakeeno’s team share optimism for a full recovery. With strong local backing and the resilience shown through decades of challenges, the pizzeria’s reopening will likely be a celebrated event. This story of kindness and perseverance serves as a hopeful example of how small businesses and neighborhoods can thrive together.