Lamplighter Café in New Ulm, Minnesota, is Closed After a Fire

The fire raged for three and a half hours before firefighters were able to bring it under control. The New Ulm Fire Department, police department, and State Fire Marshal were all on the scene. The owner, Herb Knutson, was away on vacation at the time of the fire. General Manager Becky Portner said the kitchen and waitress station were total losses. Smoke damage and a layer of soot covered the entire interior space. The Lamplighter Café is currently considering various options to replace the burned area.

Herb Knutson

The Lamplighter Family Sports Bar & Grill is located at 214 N Minnesota Street, New Ulm, Minnesota. It’s owned by Herb Knutson, who also owns a campground in nearby Isanti and is building a bar near Long Lake. He decided to buy the restaurant after visiting New Ulm during the Parade of Lights last year. He said the city reminded him of a Hallmark Town.

The restaurant is located in a building that used to be the Lamplighter. The building was damaged in a fire in early September. Since then, Knutson has relocated the restaurant’s staff. The new restaurant serves similar food, and has room for expansion.

Since the accident, the Lamplighter has moved its operations to the former Social building. The building is a historic building and may have restrictions.

Lamplighter family sports bar & grill

The Lamplighter Family Sports Bar & Grill offers good, low-fat food, draft beer, and a great drink menu. It is often very busy, even on weeknights. There is street parking available, and the average cost of a meal is around $30. The atmosphere is comfortable, and the staff is friendly.