Stockholm's Restaurant Reopens After Fire, 70-Day Reconstruction

GENEVA, IL — After a devastating fire and months-long reconstruction project, Stockholm's Restaurant and Brewery in Geneva has reopened its doors.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Oct. 16 for the restaurant, located at 306 W. State St., where owner Michael Olesen "happily cut the ribbon after a 70-day rebuild project where he utilized staff, friends and the city for support."

Mayor Kevin Burns, Geneva Chamber staff, ambassadors and board members, and other city representatives joined the celebration along with the owner's family, friends and staff.

"It has been so wonderful to see so many friends we've missed this past 70 days," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "Thanks to all who have been so patient with us as we get back into the swing of things."

The brewpub was closed for half the summer after a fire broke out July 31. Geneva Fire Department officials said the fire started in a piece of kitchen equipment inside the basement.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in less than 30 minutes, but the kitchen and the areas directly above sustained fire, heat, smoke and water damage, Patch reported.

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