Bring Back the Band Box!

Do you miss the Sloppy Bro, the coffee and the counter conversations?

We do and can guarantee that all of the neighbors & surrounding businesses feel the same way.  Brad and Heather, owners of Band Box Diner, need your help to get their landmark diner back on its feet.  Like many small businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic forced their business to close.  Band Box was too small for safe social distancing, so they never reopened to the public.  Additionally, Heather and Brad were navigating their son’s distance learning education for the past 18 months while Heather was fighting breast cancer.  We are happy to report Heather is doing well and in the final stage of treatment.

 

While the Band Box has been closed, the diner has been a target for break-ins and vandalism.  The break-ins have resulted in a broken front door, broken back door, broken patio door, broken window, graffiti, and multiple plumbing issues.  Now, the building is in need of several major repairs in order to reopen.  As soon as Brad and Heather feel like they’re making progress on the repairs the Band Box needs, they face even more vandalism, graffiti and property damage.

 

Let's save history and keep this tiny diner’s legacy alive!  Established in 1939, and officially designated as a local landmark in 2000, Band Box Diner is the oldest operating diner in Elliot Park.  This is the very last Band Box to survive history. In 1950, there were 15 Band Boxes scattered across the Twin Cities. This lone survivor has not had an easy journey, but Brad and Heather’s love kept this piece of Minneapolis history going strong!

 

They want to get back to serving you at Band Box but need your help to get there.  Brad and Heather are planning to open a take-out style “Hole in the Wall” window featuring some of their favorite menu items.

 

But first, they must:

• Install a new front door, back door, patio door – these are all custom pieces due to the (amazing) building architecture

• Install a new window

• Install new plumbing

• Install security cameras

• Place a food order

• Create a menu

• Hire limited help

 

I have been a patron of the Band Box Diner for two decades and am the Director of Gamut Gallery, Elliot Park Business Neighbor since 2015.  Brad and Heather are some of the best people I know and are really in need of the community to come together and help them get back on their feet over a very long 18 months.  Brad and Heather are not the ones to ever ask for help, they embrace the "pull yourself by your bootstraps" mentality.  I am personally honored & grateful after numerous requests from myself and Vanessa Haight from the Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc. they are ready to accept the help & support our community can give.  Please share this fundraiser and donate if you are able! Brad and Heather have worked so hard to keep this beloved gathering space alive.  Now’s our chance to step up for them.  All funds (minus the processing fee) will go directly to Brad and Heather to support their reopening journey.  - Cassie Garner