Park Tavern reopens with a heavy heart days after a drunk driver kills two and injures nine

Three days after the tragic incident at Park Tavern, the business reopened today, albeit with heavy hearts.

That Sunday evening was supposed a night of celebration at Park Tavern. Instead, it turned into tragedy when a drunk driver, 56-year old Steven Bailey , crashed into the patio. After shutting down Monday and Tuesday, the establishment reopened Wednesday.
Kristina Folkerts, one of the two who were killed was loved by all.

Folkerts was an employee, and the daughter of a former employee, at Park Tavern.

"I know people keep saying it, but she was a light to this world," one patrol told WCCO Wednesday when they had just opened up for the first time since 56-year old Steve Bailey drove into the patio while drunk, killing Folkerts and Methodist Hospital worker Gabe Harvey.

Folkert built a special bond with her patrons.

"Three weeks ago, we came in, my wife and I, we were regulars and we've been coming here for a while," said one man. "And Kristina was worried about us." She said, 'where have you been? We were worried about you.' And that's the kind of girl she was."

Everyone at Park Tavern on Wednesday wass trying to comprehend this senseless accident.

"This is my community, I'm devastated, I hate this person that did this, I'm so mad at him," said another customer.

And they're attempting to move forward.

"It's hard, but routine is really important and we know that the community has rallied around us and they want us," said another server at Park Tavern.

"It's going to be hard for our staff, and it's baby steps," says Cheryl who is the Event Coordinator and Manager at Park Tavern. It's sometimes minute by minute. It's been overwhelming."

A preliminary breath test showed Bailey's blood alcohol level was more than four times over the legal limit. He was charged Tuesday with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide and nine counts of criminal vehicular operation.

But for the people of Park Tavern, for now it's about family. Generational. And mourning a special person.

Nine others were injured in the crash. A Go Fund Me has been set up for Folkerts, Harvey and several other victims.