Kenosha fire destroys vacant bar, soon-to-open business devastated

Kenosha fire destroys vacant bar

Fire destroyed the former Uncle Mike's Highway Pub, where another business was preparing to open, in Kenosha early Tuesday morning, April 29.

KENOSHA, Wis. - Fire destroyed the former Uncle Mike's Highway Pub, where another business was preparing to open, in Kenosha early Tuesday morning, April 29.

Vacant bar fire

What we know:

The fire department was called to the scene, just east of Interstate 94 between Highway K and Highway 50, around 3 a.m. Police arrived as well to find flames coming through the roof.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

Kenosha firefighters knocked down the flames and searched the building, which officials said appeared to be vacant and under renovation. The building was deemed a total loss.

The fire was under control shortly after 4 a.m. No one was found inside, and no injuries were reported.

Fire destroys vacant bar, Kenosha

What we don't know:

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

New business devastated

What they're saying:

The building was going to be the new home of Elsie Mae's Pies & Pints. The owner told FOX6 News they had just been approved for all permits the day before, and the fire is devastating for her and her business.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

"We've been painting and cleaning and doing everything we can ourselves," said Kelly Deem. "This was our complete future."

Deem owns Elsie Mae's Sweet Shop in Lake Mills. She said her family was planning to open another location in the former Uncle Mike's on Mother's Day.

"My dad and I had dinner here when it was owned by little Europa," she said. "I really, really felt connected to this property."

A GoFundMe online fundraiser was started to help the business rebuild.