Maxi’s Food and Spirits Barn owners announce hopes to restore

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A well-known family restaurant on South Bend’s South Side went up in smoke and flames over the weekend.

The owners of Maxi’s Food and Spirits Barns writing in a Facebook post Monday afternoon,

“There really aren’t words that can express our feelings during our time of sadness. Maxis did suffer a devastating fire on Saturday, November 23rd. While the building incurred significant damage, most importantly, no one was injured. Our hearts are broken as this isn’t just a job for us, it’s our life and has been for the past 34 years. We are beginning the restoration process as soon as possible. As we get more information, we will keep you updated. In the meantime, we can’t begin to thank, or put into words, how much the calls, texts, messages, hugs and overall support mean to us. Thank you for loving us and your continued support.”

The long-standing business was all boarded up Monday after crews were able to get the fire controlled in about 40-50 minutes after the initial call came in around 9 a.m. Saturday, but did not leave until around noon due to the complexities of the two-story building, which was never actually a barn.

For the past 3 decades the family run restaurant and bar upstairs, have served South Bend’s South Side.

Many in the area including local business owners, like Tim Bland, who has owned Tim’s Auto Repair down the street for the last 23 years look forward to seeing the business rise from the ashes.

"Sad seeing that and it's actually a good restaurant, always have good food. Best steaks around. I hope they open back up, I really do,” said Bland.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the South Bend Fire Department.