The Band Box Diner's Journey Back to the Heart of Minneapolis

Effort underway to reopen famous Band Box Diner in Minneapolis

Rallying Together: Minneapolis Community Unites to Save the Band Box Diner

The Band Box Diner’s Journey Back

In the heart of Elliot Park in downtown Minneapolis stands the Band Box, a quirky-looking red-and-white diner that has been a cherished landmark since its opening in 1939. However, the iconic diner fell silent on March 17, 2020, as Gov. Tim Walz’s order to close restaurant dining rooms took effect. Now, after a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, there’s hope and a collective sigh of relief from the legion of fans who consider the Band Box a home away from home.

“People may not know this little neighborhood, but they know the Band Box,” says Cassie Lynne Garner, owner of the nearby Gamut Gallery and a devoted 20-year Band Box regular. “It has to continue on. With everything that’s been going on during these last 18 months — especially in Minneapolis, where we’ve had it harder than other cities — we need that hometown feeling that you get when you walk into the Band Box.”

Owners Brad Ptacek and Heather Dalzen faced a challenging period during the closure. Dealing with Dalzen’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, alongside overseeing their 9-year-old son Laughlin’s education during the shift to remote learning, the couple chose to “sit still and see what happens,” according to Ptacek.

The Band Box, located at 729 S. 10th St., has a rich history dating back to its founding by Harry and Bert Weisman in 1939. The couple took inspiration from the growing White Castle chain and created prefabricated diners from floor-to-ceiling-scaled steel panels. By 1953, there were 14 Band Boxes across the city, but today, the original at S. 10th and E. 14th streets is the sole survivor.

In 1998, Brad Ptacek, the current owner, found his way to the Band Box after a career as a chef at Caffe Solo. Focusing on perfecting made-from-scratch omelets, burgers, pancakes, and other short-order fare, Ptacek turned the Band Box into a local gem. Meeting Heather Dalzen a few years later, the two became both romantic and business partners, with Ptacek handling the kitchen and Dalzen managing the front of the house.

The Band Box underwent a significant expansion and renovation in 2003, funded by a $250,000 loan from the Minneapolis Community Development Agency. This update honored the building’s idiosyncratic appearance while providing Ptacek with the modern cooking amenities needed for the ever-growing demand.

However, the pandemic forced the Band Box to close its doors, and during this time, the diner became a target for break-ins and vandalism. The closures and damages resulted in a need for repairs, including new front, back, and patio doors, plumbing repairs, new windows, and a security system.

Community members, recognizing the Band Box’s importance and the challenges it faced, rallied together. Cassie Garner, owner of the Gamut Gallery, and Vanessa Haight, executive director of the Elliot Park neighborhood association, spearheaded a GoFundMe campaign. The goal was ambitious — $15,000 to cover the costs of repairs and reopening. To everyone’s surprise and delight, the goal was achieved in just six days, showcasing the deep-rooted affection the community has for the Band Box.

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The journey to reopen involves more than just fixing physical damages. Hiring plumbers, electricians, and carpenters is crucial, and the unique design of the Band Box often requires custom solutions for replacement parts. Ptacek expressed the challenges they face, mentioning that “just fixing the back door is three thousand dollars.”

The support from the community is not only financial but also emotional. Ptacek shared, “It’s a hard thing to ask for help, but we’re blessed to have people who want us back. That’s great. It’s wonderful, it’s amazing, it’s overwhelming, it’s humbling. It’s so many words, and, for once, I don’t know what else to say.”

The Band Box is more than just a diner; it’s a symbol of resilience, community, and the indomitable spirit of Minneapolis. As plans unfold to reopen the beloved diner as a “hole in the wall” takeout business initially, the Band Box’s story becomes a testament to the power of community support and the unwavering determination of those who refuse to let a local treasure fade away. The Band Box, with its rich history and the outpouring of support from its community, is poised to reclaim its place as the heart of Minneapolis.

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