DEER GROVE – Local landmark Arnie’s Happy Spot, under new ownership since April, was destroyed in a fire overnight.

No one was injured in the fire, which broke out around 12:30 a.m. in the middle of the building, said John Davis, commander on scene with the Walnut Fire Department.

A state fire marshal's representative is at the site; no cause has been released.

About a dozen agencies responded. Firefighters cleared the scene around 5:45 a.m.; some remain, keeping an eye on hot spots.

The restaurant at 1667 Hoover Road, off state Route 40 just south of Rock Falls. closed at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, and workers were all gone by 10 p.m., said new owner Richard T. "Rick" Lance, 45, of Deer Grove, who was called around 1 a.m.

He is insured, and plans to rebuild, he said.

The restaurant, known for its fried chicken, started life in the 1930s as the Happy Spot; it was bought by Arnie Johnson in 1967, and by Larry and Ginny Whitebread in 1999.

The Whitebreads sold it to Lance and his wife, Angela, in April for $185,000.

Arnie's, which had a banquet room that could seat 400, was a popular spot for dancing, comedy, bands and other entertainment.