LANSING – State Representative Roy Schmidt (D-Grand Rapids) today joined the many Grand Rapids residents saddened by the loss of Arnie's Restaurant, the historic landmark that's stood on the city's west side since 1922. The building was destroyed in a fire this morning.
"I was shocked to awaken this morning to news of Arnie's being lost to a fire and I'm relieved that nobody was hurt," said Schmidt, who has lived in Grand Rapids all his life. "The Sonneveldt and Fahlen families have worked for generations to establish a great West Side tradition with the bakery and restaurants offering quality pastries and an incredible menu. I will miss the building, especially the pictures and mementos of the old West Side, including photos of my family's store, Rudy's Market on Bridge Street."
Firefighters were called to Arnie's, located at 710 Leonard St. NW, after a fire broke out at about 4 a.m. on Tuesday, according to local news reports. The fire blazed for at least two hours before firefighters were able to gain the upper hand, preventing significant damage to Arnie's corporate office located next door in the process.
Founded in 1905 and called the Cresecent Bakery, Sonneveldt Bakery and Buttercup Bakery over the years, owner Arnold
Sonneveldt opened the Leonard Street location in 1922. Over the years, they became known for their quality baked goods
and when Arnold Jr. took up the reins from his father, the business took off. In 1978, the first "Arnie's Bakery &
Restaurant" was opened, and Arnie's has expanded to multiple locations throughout the Grand Rapids area since.
"Arnie's is a local treasure, and my heart goes out to their employees this morning," Schmidt said. "I'm looking
forward to Arnie's rebuilding on that site and I hope that same great atmosphere can be restored. We'll do all we can to
help get Arnie's back up and running."