What time does Pearl Lake Lodge open?

What time does Pearl Lake Lodge close?

Specialties

Tom "Rudy" Ruether bought the Pearl Lake Lodge in April, 2001 after owning McRudy's in downtown St. Cloud for 16 years. He saw the Lodge as a community center for the residents of the small town, but never imagined he'd have so many families coming in to eat.

History

Established in 2001.

For one day each year, the Irish among us get to take center stage. In this edition of Minnesota Moments, we feature one such person who turns one tiny village into a small city on St. Patrick's Day. Last St. Paddy's Day, between 4,000 and 5,000 folks flocked to Pearl Lake, a wide spot on a Stearns County road, to watch a parade and celebrate. The man behind this spectacle is Tom "Rudy" Ruether, a man whose Irish heritage and personality are contagious.

Meet the Business Owner: Tom R.

Tom "Rudy" Ruether bought the bar in April, 2001 after owning McRudy's in downtown St. Cloud for 16 years. Rudy -- as everyone knows him -- sold his St. Cloud bar and never thought he'd own another tavern. But, then nine months went by and Rudy realized he missed the bar business. That's when a local resident and friend, Elmer Garding convinced him to look at the Double-Deuce -- a small, somewhat rundown bar in town. Rudy says he talked with residents and watched traffic trends. In the end, Rudy saw the Double Deuce had potential, bought it and fixed it up to look like a north woods lodge. He saw the Lodge as a community center for the residents of the small town, but never imagined he'd have so many families coming in to eat.