May 13, 2025 1p
(WGTD)---Plans for a quick partial recovery from a fire late last month that destroyed Elsie Mae’s new home in Kenosha have been stymied by an insurance company.
“Elsie Mae’s Pies and Pints” was planning to open last Sunday in a building off of I-94 that once housed a tavern. But those plans went up in smoke along with the building.
Owner Kelly Deem vowed to rebuild, and within days rolled out plans to launch the business in an outdoor space adjacent to the charred remains. "We intend to have a beautiful, welcoming gardenscape--a place where you can bring your family and enjoy the space," Deem said following a Kenosha License and Permit Committee meeting Monday evening. Various nostalgic games will be offered, converted campers will be turned into seating, Elsie Mae's 'Pie Wagon' will be present and typical picnic tables and patio furniture will round out the space, she said.
Those plans, however, are contingent on the demolition and removal of the burned-out building. But Deem says the insurance company needs the building to stay up for 30 days to complete its investigation of the fire, even though the Kenosha Fire Department has already ruled that the fire was due to an electrical malfunction in an area of the building that had not been touched by the renovation.
The delay in removing the charred remains is also holding up approval of the liquor license.
Deem tells WGTD she’s frustrated by the process. "I'm very frustrated that the insurance is taking 30 more days," she said, vowing to press on despite the setback. "I know that I can do it and that's what's going to happen."
Deem wants to use the outdoor space to serve her Kenosha base of customers and raise revenue to help her rebuild the indoor structure on site.
In the meantime, Elsie Mae’s continues to operate out of a facility in Lake Mills.
Elsie Mae pies and other baked goods are available at area farmer’s markets.
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