Kenosha, Wis. — In a tragic blow to a beloved local business, an early morning fire on Tuesday destroyed the soon-to-open Elsie Mae’s Pies & Pints, just hours after it received final licensing approval and days before its anticipated grand opening on Mother’s Day.

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The Kenosha Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 3:00 a.m. to the 6600 block of 120th Avenue after reports of a structure fire. When officers from the Kenosha Police Department arrived, they found flames shooting through the roof of the building, formerly Uncle Mike’s Highway Pub.

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Fire crews arrived to find the structure fully involved. A primary search confirmed no one was inside, as the building was unoccupied and under renovation. Due to the rapid spread of the blaze, firefighters transitioned to a defensive attack. The fire was brought under control by 4:05 a.m., and no injuries were reported. The building, however, is a total loss.

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The site was to be the future home of Elsie Mae’s Pies & Pints, a new venture from the owners of the popular Elsie Mae’s Canning and Pies. In a heartfelt public statement released later in the day, the business expressed profound sorrow:

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“A Heartbreaking Loss at Elsie Mae’s Pies & Pints
Early this morning, a devastating fire consumed the building that was to be the new home of Elsie Mae’s Pies & Pints. Just hours after receiving final approval from the licensing council and with plans to open on Mother’s Day, our dream was quite literally burned to the ground.
This space wasn’t just a building—it was built with our hands, filled with love, late nights, hard-earned progress, and big dreams. We poured our hearts into every inch of it. It meant everything to us.
We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support already coming in, and most importantly, we want everyone to know that we are safe. We’re taking a moment to grieve this incredible loss and gather our thoughts before sharing what comes next. Thank you for believing in us, for cheering us on, and for helping bring this dream to life—even if only for a moment.
With love and heartbreak,
The Elsie Mae’s Family”

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Fire Chief Daniel Tilton confirmed that the cause of the blaze is under active investigation. Mutual aid was provided by fire departments from Pleasant Prairie, Somers, Bristol, and Newport, Illinois. The Kenosha Police Department also provided support at the scene.

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No further information is available at this time.

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