The Casanova Cafe and Lounge was located at 43-45 So. Fourth Street (across from Maurice L. Rothschilds) on Newspaper Row, appropriate because it was a part of the  Minneapolis Journal Building, apparently built in 1889.  One half, number 45, was the bar, and one half was the cafe.  Together they measured 44 ft. x 150 ft. and the building was three stories tall.

THE CASANOVA BAR

The Casanova Bar, at 45 S. Fourth Street, opened on May 11, 1940, according to an announcement in the Minneapolis Star.

 

The owners were Warren Kirk and “Bill” Corbett.  Next door at 43 So. Fourth Street was Kirk’s Restaurant, “a Newspaper Row institution for the past twenty-five years,” which would bring it back to 1915. One mention said it started in half of a basement.  Kirk was the first person in Minneapolis to apply for a 3.2 beer license on March 15, 1933 – beer became legal to sell on April 8, 1933.

The new Casanova bar featured a long bar and cozy booths,

where confidential matters may be discussed, as such matters should be, over the table.  For those who like to sit out in the open to see and be seen, a long row of tables and comfortable chairs are available.  Artistically decorated in a color scheme that soothes and relaxes, the New Casanova is bathed in soft lights, effecting an atmosphere in which the original Casanova himself would have been delighted to have been submerged.   (Minneapolis Tribune, May 19, 1940)

The official Grand Opening was held on May 21 and 22, 1940.  References to Kirk’s Restaurant disappeared after that, so they must have merged soon afterwards.

 

There were several small ads like the one below.  This was the last one found.

 

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TOMMY EWING

Although no announcement was found, Thomas E. Ewing became the proprietor of the business and holder of the liquor license.  Ewing operated as President of Casanova Bar, Inc.  The gangster Tommy Banks was accused of owning the bar, which he couldn’t because of his criminal record, but Tommy did admit that he loaned $10,000 to Ewing for startup money.

Tommy Banks and Harry Shepard purchased the building on December 13, 1943, through attorney Simon Meshbesher.

 

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The house specialty was “Chicken in the Rough,” served unjointed, with no silverware.

 

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THAT SIGN!

The Casanova had one of the most spectacular lighted signs in Downtown Minneapolis.  The ad below boasted that the sign had 21 Transformers with 1,840 Bulbs and 1,540 feet of Fluorescent neon Tubing.  According to permit cards, the lights went up in March of 1945.

 

 

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THE BUILDING IS SOLD

On January 17, 1947, it was revealed that Tommy Banks and his wife Reta Banks sold the building to the B and S Co. for approximately $15,500.  The quit claim deed was filed on December 15, 1946.  According to the articles of incorporation filed in 1943, the incorporators of the B and S Co. were:

• Harry Shepard, Maryland Hotel, 1346 LaSalle Ave
• R.L. Banks, 1234 First National Bank, Soo Line Building
• Cera S. Meshbesher, 1234 First National Bank, Soo Line Building

Archie Cary, lawyer to the underworld, had his offices at 1234 First National Bank, Soo Line Building.  (Minneapolis Tribune, January 18, 1947)

 

In 1948 the club had a “Blue Room.”  Seating capacity was 400, and entertainment was available 4:30 to closing.

 

 

 

 

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TOMMY EWING AND THE STREETCAR SCANDAL

In 1952, the City of Minneapolis had been persuaded to tear up its streetcar line and transition to buses.  Those having stock in the streetcar company (TCRT) were under suspicion of underhanded dealing, and some went to prison.  This is an oversimplified statement and if you want to know more, please read up on it.  With Tommy Ewing, the owner of the Casanova, so tight with Tommy Banks, it is not surprising that Ewing owned 1,300 shares of stock in TCRT.  (Minneapolis Tribune, January 15, 1952)

 

 

 

 

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THE END OF THE CASANOVA

In the late 1950s, the City of Minneapolis had no interest in preserving places like Newspaper Row and its hodgepodge of 19th Century buildings.  Wholesale demolition of problem areas seemed like a good idea at the time, and the Minneapolis Journal Building was slated to go.  The City bought the building, and in September 1959, an ad was placed:

RESTAURANT-BAR FIXTURES

Wrecking building, must sell restaurant & bar equipment.  30 booths with formica top, tables, chairs, 2 bars, 4 walk-in coolers & compressors, kitchen equipment.  5-ton air conditioning equipment & many misc. items  Open 1 to 5 Mon. thru Thurs, Sept 21-24, Casanova Cafe & Bar.  (Minneapolis Star, September 18, 1959)

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The photo below, taken from Fourth and Nicollet, shows the Casanova in the left-hand corner, looking boarded up.

 

 

 

The demolition permit for this building was taken out on June 11, 1962.