Apartments caught fire Friday above a Dinkytown coffee shop during the lunch period near the University of Minnesota.

Several fire trucks responded to the flames and billowing smoke above Espresso Royale, 411 14th Av. SE., shortly after noon.

The blaze was under control within an hour or so, said Stephen Wood, who works at a nearby pizza place.

There was no immediate word on anyone being injured or how the fire began.

Wood, who said he used to live in one of the five apartments, said other neighboring businesses, including the well-known Al's Breakfast, could be suffering "just because of the smell" of smoke.

The building belongs to Paul Dzubnar, who also owns the Green Mill restaurant chain.

Colleen Kelly, Star Tribune
Apartments caught fire Friday above a Dinkytown coffee shope during the lunch period near the University of Minnesota. Several fire trucks responded to the flames above Espresso Royale, 411 14th Av. SE., shortly after noon. The blaze was under control within an hour or so, said Stephen Wood, who works at a nearby pizza place.


Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482