"Killer Wolf is Finally Trapped," the headlines roared in January 1938.
"Lobo is dead and hundreds rejoice," the newspaper reported. "For Lobo was a ruthless, savage, fiendish killer that, it is conservatively estimated, has killed more than 200 deer in and around Itasca State Park."
Seven decades have passed since Algot Wicken ended a 12-year hunt, trapping the monstrous timber wolf. But the legend lives on at Lobo's Bar and Grill, the eatery reportedly standing on property where the "cruelly cunning" animal met its Waterloo.
"This is Lobo's territory," said Marvin Sauer, who grew up near Itasca State Park, his childhood imagination stirred by the notorious carnivore.
The wolf's insatiable appetite has now served as inspiration - for a restaurant.
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Marvin Sauer and wife Julie determined a lack of evening entertainment - and eats - in the Itasca area called for rectification.
Lobo's has emerged on Highway 200, approximately four miles west of the park's east entrance. Wolves (preserved) greet clientele.
Open seven days a week, the restaurant features Black Angus burgers ("earning raves"), sandwiches, chicken and shrimp baskets, appetizers, daily specials and a full bar, with off-sale recently added.
The restaurant has met success in its first few months of operation, with the "awesome" winter bringing in snowmobilers and fisherfolk. "We couldn't have picked a better winter to pen," Julie Sauer said.
Last week, a tent camper bound for Itasca stopped by for a bite to eat.
"We're waiting to see how he survived," Marvin Sauer said.
It was a motorcyclist's destination last summer, as well as college students studying at the park.
With the first season's success, they intend to expand the eatery, adding a fireplace and dartboards. Lobo's now features a pool table, jukebox, wide screen TV and charitable gambling.
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Plans call for adding a salad bar on weekends, to sate vegetarian palates.
Lobo's, "nestled in the woods," is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, opening at noon Sunday. Happy hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
