After a University of Minnesota branded bus crashed in Acadia Cafe on March 15, the restaurant leadership is figuring out how to reopen and pay workers, and staff feel frustrated with the minimal response from the University.
Although the restaurant is closed indefinitely to repair the damages from the crash, manager Katie Essler said she hopes Acadia will be able to reopen. During this time, Acadia is working to make sure staff are treated as fairly as the restaurant is able.
The Fourth Street Circulator bus was driving on Cedar Avenue when it veered off the road and into the restaurant, according to video footage released by Acadia. After the front of the bus crashed into the restaurant, it stopped briefly before moving forward again. Around two-thirds of the bus ended up in the restaurant.
The crash destroyed some weight bearing beams near the restaurant’s windows and cut into the ceiling, potentially damaging the upstairs floor, Essler said. Although water pipes and electrical lines will need replacement, the bus missed important kitchen and bar equipment, sound systems and some original decorations.
The day of the crash, Acadia set up a GoFundMe page to compensate staff. Over the past couple weeks, it has raised more than $13,000, nearly all of which has been distributed among employees, Essler said. Acadia’s owner is also providing temporary financial support to workers while the restaurant is closed.
Essler said a large portion of the fundraiser’s donations came from regulars, musicians and other local community members who reached out to support the restaurant.
“The support from the community has been just wild,” Essler said. “It’s been really nice to know that people care and to know that they have our back … especially in a tough time like this.”
According to Essler, management is waiting to receive insurance claims in order to begin crunching numbers to pay for repairs. Management is also uncertain as to how they will pay repairment costs, whether through loans, out of pocket or other means. However, the plan remains to eventually reopen Acadia in the same building.
Staff members Hannah Gott and Kate Erickson said Acadia management and regulars offered staff jobs at various other companies, such as restaurants, but Gott and Erickson said they have not felt pressure to immediately find another job. However, they, along with many other employees, are still looking for interim jobs until Acadia reopens.
“I miss my work environment, I miss having that purpose,” Erickson said. “For us to not have that place to go and be with our favorite regulars and be with each other, it’s honestly really sad.”
Workers feel frustrated with the University’s response
Despite their involvement, Essler said the University has not reached out to anyone at Acadia privately.
“As far as I know … [Acadia has] not heard from the University of Minnesota in any capacity,” Essler said. “From a legal standpoint, I get it. Liability is a pretty dangerous game, but my employees are feeling pretty slighted.”
Erickson and Gott said they feel “anger and disbelief” that the University hasn’t reached out to support the business.
“Acadia is part of the community, and [the University] hasn’t treated us like a part of the community,” Gott said. “They haven’t taken any accountability.”
In an emailed statement, Jake Ricker, the University of Minnesota director of public relations, said the University recognizes how terrible the situation is, and “we feel for anyone experiencing challenges as a result.”
Ricker said the University contracts a third-party vendor who bears liability and insurance of the buses, and an investigation into the incident is underway. Ricker added that he was not aware of any contact between Acadia and the University.
“To this point, the University has only been able to communicate limited details about the incident because the police investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing,” Ricker said. “Once that investigation is complete, there may be additional information to share.”
Although the future of Acadia is unclear, Erickson and Gott said they hope to eventually reopen and preserve the legacy of the building.
“It’s very special that our building is one of those places that hasn’t been torn down and gentrified … I hope that we can restore it to what it was if not better,” Erickson said. “Even if it never reopens, it will always be the Acadia.”