“Little” Louis Parenteau worked at the El Roco Bar and Grill from the 1950s to the 80s. 11:00 am, Jan. 28, 2021 ×
Does the spirit of “Little” Louis Parenteau, a former El Roco manager, hang around the bar? According to an employee, it does. Submitted photo
Does the benevolent spirit of a former manager of the El Roco Bar and Grill still show up to greet customers? According to some, it does.
While discussing historical photos of the bar with the Herald, co-owner Tom Endres relayed a story about an employee, who was a self-described medium and tarot card reader. The employee, Endres said, described seeing a well-dressed, short man standing at the end of the bar, waving hello, welcoming and saying goodbye to customers. After hearing the description, Endres immediately knew who it was: a beloved former manager, “Little” Louis Parenteau.
With a rich Grand Forks history, El Roco Bar and Grill gets ready to close
El Roco, or “The Rock,” stood the test of time and weathered blizzards, fires and floods, but after decades of late nights and chasing nightclub trends, owners Pat, Paul and Tom Endres are ready to move on. 11:00 am, Jan. 28, 2021 ×
Tom, left, Pat and Paul Enrdes pour shots at the El Roco Bar and Grill. The business is having a Last Call party on Saturday, Jan. 30. Submitted photo
It’s the end of an era in Grand Forks, as the owners of the El Roco Bar and Grill prepare to close then sell the 69-year-old establishment.
Herald reporters cover events on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Written By: Kim Wynn | ×
Journalist Ann Bailey reports on an upcoming bridge replacement project in Oslo that presents an opportunity to mitigate the spring flooding that is a perennial problem on the Red River north of Grand Forks. The severe flooding has resulted in Minnesota governors several times during the past few decades sending in the National Guard to help battle the water from reaching Oslo, which often becomes an island. The effort being pushed forward by the Border Township Associative Group, with members from North Dakota and Minnesota, includes replacement of two highway bridges, a railroad bridge and channel work, with an estimated cost of $96.7 million.