Cause Of 'Nook' Fire Determined

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An overheated cooler is to blame for starting the fire that destroyed a popular St. Paul bar and restaurant in December.

Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard the fire at the Nook was caused by a cooler that overheated under the bar.

Zaccard said that it is considered accidental.

The fire started around 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 14, 2010. The restaurant, located on Hamline Avenue, across the street from Cretin-Derham Hall High School, has been around since 1938.

Their specialty was the Juicy Nookie, a burger stuffed with cheese. The restaurant was even featured on the Food Network show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

The owners plan to rebuild the Nook and open again at Randolph and Hamline Avenues.