Cause under investigation. At 929 Frontage Road off Highway 52 Northwest. Image: Rochester Fire Department
Last customer had just left, crew also
ROCHESTER, Minn. — One of the two locally famous John Hardy’s barbeque restaurants suffered heavy smoke damage overnight. Eleven fire units responded about 9:20 p.m. to the Northwest Side location. No one was injured. The place had closed at 9. A passerby reported smoke at the rear, near the kitchen. Firefighters attacked the fire from outside, then forced their way inside. Flames were extinguished quickly, followed by major ventilation.