Sammy's Pizza

The lot that is now partially occupied by Sammy's Pizza is where the magnificent Rex Hotel once stood. Originally, the Duluth Brewing Company built the Rex in 1911 with a grand public opening on New Year's Day of 1912. At the time it was the best hotel in International Falls, but by 1913 it was found to be inadequate for the amount of business it was bringing in so plans were made to remodel and expand the hotel. The renovations were completed in November of 1914 and there was a grand reopening ceremony and banquet on November 23, 1914. After the renovations, the main dining room could accommodate 100 people, and had 85 guest rooms each with telephones and baths. The Rex was completely destroyed by fire in July 1982, sadly eliminating one of International Falls' most iconic structures.