Historic suburban restaurant reopens after burning down

A well-known Blue Island restaurant devastated by fire has risen from the ashes.

The Maple Tree Inn burned down over the summer. But now, it has a new and temporary location not far from where the historic building burned down in August.

The new Maple Tree Inn is smaller, but a big victory for Blue Island.

Erich and Katie Wennberg were second generation owners of the 43-year old beloved restaurant and they lived in the apartment upstairs.

As it burned, employees and neighbors encouraged them not to give up.

“Our home and business was ripped away in hours. But the triumph of community is something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life,” said Erich.

The owners vowed to rebuild and still hope to save parts of the 1890s era building. For now, the bistro on Western Avenue is a gathering place.

The owners say what feels good are the simple things, like being able to cook for and serve their customers.