A west-central Minnesota restaurateur is asking for donations to stay in business amid compliance issues and other challenges stemming from the pandemic and a 2019 fire.

Ryan Carlson, the owner of Stella’s Restaurant & Bar, recently created a GoFundMe in order to "keep our doors open."

The restaurant has locations in the popular tourist town of Battle Lake and in Fergus Falls, though the Battle Lake location is temporarily closed as long-term repairs are carried out on damage caused in a 2019 fire.

Stella’s is currently facing challenges including operating expenses, debt, and compliance issues preventing it from serving alcohol, according to the fundraiser.

The problems are exacerbated by issues stemming from the Battle Lake restaurant fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, Carlson said.

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