Judy's on North rising from the ashes after restaurant fire, offering popular items on food truck

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Mexican family-owned restaurant is rising from the ashes after it caught fire last month. Judy's on North will temporarily operate from a food truck.

"We have to do something, and I think this was the next best idea to keep it going," said Kevin Lopez, manager and owner of Judy's on North.

Lopez said he found out his restaurant was up in flames in the early morning hours of Dec. 12 from the news. Lopez said the fire started in the kitchen and left extensive damage.

Milwaukee fire said the call came in at 4 a.m. and it was contained on the first floor of the building. No one was hurt. Most of the damage was due to smoke.

"It was devastating," said Lopez.

The restaurant has been in the family for about 10 years. Lopez said between this fire, along with pandemic woes, it feels like his family business can't catch a break.

He credits the encouraging messages from customers keeping the business going.

The Judy's on North food truck is expected to open mid-February.