Fire destroys Arnie's Happy Spot restaurant

DEER GROVE – Regional landmark Arnie’s Happy Spot, under new ownership since April, was destroyed in a fire early Monday morning.

No one was injured in the fire, which broke out around 12:30 a.m. Monday in the middle of the building, said John Davis, commander on scene with the Walnut Fire Department.

A state fire marshal's representative traveled to the site; no cause had been released as of later Monday morning.

About a dozen agencies responded. Most firefighters cleared the scene around 5:45 a.m., while some remained, keeping an eye on hot spots.

The restaurant at 1667 Hoover Road, off state Route 40 south of Rock Falls, closed at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, and workers were all gone by 10 p.m., said new owner Richard T. "Rick" Lance, 45, who was called around 1 a.m.

He is insured, and plans to rebuild, he said.

The restaurant, known for its fried chicken, started in the 1930s as the Happy Spot. It was bought by Arnie Johnson in 1967, and by Larry and Ginny Whitebread in 1999.

The Whitebreads sold it to Lance and his wife, Angela, in April for $185,000.

Arnie's, which had a banquet room that could seat 400, was a popular spot for dancing, comedy, bands and other entertainment.