Leader Publications

By KATIE JOHNSON
Niles Daily Star

Authorities have confirmed that arson caused a fire that destroyed Legends Bar & Grill in Edwardsburg early Monday.

The state fire marshal and police have been investigating the incident since the day of the fire, which was called in at approximately 1:50 a.m. The business, located on M-62, is owned by T & R Investments.

Det. Fabian Suarez of the Michigan State Police Niles Post confirmed this morning that the incident has been determined to be arson, although the fire marshal has not completed his investigation.

Suarez said the Niles Post and Edwardsburg Police Department are now in charge of the case. They will release more information about the arson investigation next week, he said.

Firefighters battled the Legends blaze for about four hours; the building could not be salvaged. The business opened under the Legends name about five years ago and was a popular restaurant.

A sign outside the building was erected overnight Sunday saying the business had a new owner. That person’s name was not available.

T&R’s owner, Troy Treat, has had suspicious fires occur at three other properties in Edwardsburg, including Medicap Pharmacy, a storage garage and a former drug store on U.S. Highway 12 and Cass Street. Treat also owns a drywall business and apartments in Edwardsburg. He is not commenting on the fire investigation.