Minneapolis' 56 Brewing to demolish patio partially built on property owned by Xcel Energy

A Minneapolis brewery says Xcel Energy is asking it to demolish its popular outdoor seating area. 

"It's just a place that means a lot to our neighborhood," said Danielle Pallas, of 56 Brewing. "People aren't thrilled a big business is tearing it down."

She says the patio was built eight years ago on a portion of property owned by Xcel Energy. 

"We're very understanding that this was built illegally," said Pallas. 

Pallas says the company has requested its demolition and asks that they remove the permanent wooden staircase and parking signs that lie on their property, too, which hasn't been much of an issue until they heard from Xcel this past October.

"They reached out, had a land survey company come through and sent a notice saying the patio was infringing on their property and needed to be demolished," Pallas said.

It's something that's sparked conversation online and within the community.

"This patio's had weddings, celebrations of life," she said.

The brewery says that once it removes the patio, it will be in a 70-seat deficit. They also add that this is the time of year when they could definitely use all of those seats.

In a statement, Xcel Energy said the patio creates "safety and operational concerns."

"We appreciate the owners' collaboration and efforts to return our property to its original condition. We support local businesses and value the strong relationships we have with them as we work together to create a vibrant, sustainable energy future," Xcel said.

"It's hard to run a small business right now," Pallas told WCCO. "We've tried it all, leasing the land, renting the land."

The brewery says it'll demolish the patio on Thursday.