Breitbach's in Balltown, IA Destroyed by Fire

Yet another fire destroys what many would consider the most colorful and famous restaurant in Iowa. Operating since the 1850s, it was the oldest continual operating restaurant in Iowa, operated by 6 generation of the same family. Alton Brown stopped by on his Feasting on Asphalt tour last spring. What a loss - so many wonderful memories.

You've got to be kidding me!!!!! What is going on with all of these restaurants burning down?

I have never been to this place, but I have a close friend who went to college in Iowa and loved the place. This place is so old, Jesse James once ate there. This is a real loss for the state of Iowa!

Here is video:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/12803832.html

bcoffeyia-
Thanks for letting us know about this and welcome to Roadfood!

I'm afraid we need a "burned down restaurants" category ...

I don't know...
I'm getting a little suspicious...

Breitbach's was a wonderful place and I just hope they can come back. It was a 160 year old wooden building. It sure looked like the hardwood floors were original. When you think how dry the wood must have been it's lucky the workers were able to get out.

FRom what I have read, it seems they do plan on rebuilding. But so much of the atmosphere will never be able to be replaced.

Here is a write up from last summer, it does a good job describing what we have lost.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071224/ENT02/71224029/-1/SPORTS01

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Ross

Here is a write up from last summer, it does a good job describing what we have lost.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071224/ENT02/71224029/-1/SPORTS01

Here's another story saying Breitbach's will rebuild. Raspberry pie all around.

http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=185080

jwagnerdsm-
That is indeed good news! Thanks for the link.