Update: Parts of Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers are destroyed after a fire broke out above the kitchen Monday morning.
The fire began around 7’o clock. There were no injuries to employees, first responders or animals on the property.
Co-owner Mike Grimes said the management team will put together a plan in the coming days to rebuild. He said it’s unclear when the restaurant will reopen.
Grimes said local fire departments saved the building and said the damage could have been much worse. “We were walking through and we expected it to be completely gutted, but it’s not. I mean, everything is a bloody mess, but overall it’s not as bad as we thought it was going to be.” Grimes said.
Grimes said there is smoke and water damage to other parts of the building, but the kitchen will take the bulk of the rebuilding. Grimes said the ceiling above the kitchen sustained the most damage. Several local fire departments assisted in putting out the fire.
He said the jobs are secure for the more than 200 people that Patti’s employees. He said they will be paid through insurance until the restaurant re-opens.
Grand Rivers mayor Tom Moodie said Patti's is one of the city's key industries in a town that relies heavily on tourism. He said the restaurant brings 350,000 people to the small lake-side town that has a population of 350.
"The impact of not having that operate is enormous." Moodie said. "They're a big contributor to our tourism tax and property tax."
Moodie said the city will be helping the management set up temporary offices in the Grand Rivers community center building, lending IT services and temporary internet.
Emergency Management Deputy Director Kenny Vincent said the cause of the fire is still unknown. He said a State Fire Marshall official will be on-site Tuesday to investigate. Vincent said no foul play is suspected.
Earlier:
Grand Rivers City Tourism Director Bryan McDonald says the fire is under control. He said it is contained in the kitchen and office area. The dining and gift shop sustained smoke and water damage. McDonald said the cause of the fire is not yet known. The community is connected like a family, he said, and is saddened by the fire.
This morning:
Crews are battling a fire at Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers on Monday morning.
There are no reported injuries. The animals are unharmed.
The fire is in the kitchen and in the second floor level, according to Livingston County Emergency Management Deputy Director Kenny Vincent.
It is unclear at this time what caused the fire. Owner Mike Grimes and staff say the fire started a quarter to 8 in the kitchen area and may be related to an A/C unit. Grimes noted that the building is old and that the issue may be heating related.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said streets in and around the site are closed due to the fire response. They ask the public to stay away from Grand Rivers while crews are working on the fire. The estimated duration is three hours.
Patti's is an iconic attraction in west Kentucky, featuring decorative restaurants and shopping.
Patti's Iron Kettle Restaurant in Grand Rivers closed in 2008 after a fire destroyed the building.
This story will be updated.
