MERRILL, Wis. (WTAQ) - Fire destroyed a restaurant and bar in Merrill Monday. Firefighters were called just after 2:30 a.m. to the Arena restaurant. No one was in the business at the time, and the owner – who lives above the business – was in Florida. Merrill Fire Chief Bob Odegard said smoke was pushing out from the eaves. And while the bar and restaurant are a total loss, firefighters managed to save an adjacent banquet hall. Firefighters were still putting out hot spots at mid-morning. The cause has not been determined.