Fuller House Bar and Grill remains closed after a kitchen fire Sunday afternoon that caused an estimated $300,000 in damages.
“Unfortunately Fuller House did suffer some damage from a fire that started what seemed to be behind a wall,” owner Sam Vlahos told The Hinsdalean. “Thankfully all staff and guests remained safe, and the Hinsdale Fire Department was amazing through it all.”
The DuPage Public Safety Communications Center received notice at about 1 p.m. Sept. 3 that the fire alarm at the restaurant, 35 E. First St., had been activated. A Hinsdale truck, engine and ambulance all responded and reported smoke coming from the roof area. Hinsdale firefighters went inside to investigate and found light smoke throughout the restaurant, which prompted the evacuation of the patrons and staff. They determined that a grill in the kitchen had caught on fire and was burning inside the walls.
Hinsdale fire command elevated the alarm to a structure fire response, which brought additional fire companies from neighboring towns. Hinsdale firefighters used hand tools to open up the walls, found the fire and quickly extinguished it. Other fire companies including Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, La Grange and the Pleasantview Fire Protection District arrived on the scene and assisted with overhaul, clearing the smoke from the building and fire investigation efforts. The Westmont Fire Department and Tri-State Fire Protection District provide station coverage through the incident at the Hinsdale station.
The cause of this fire is under investigation, but appears to be accidental in nature. No one was injured.
“We are working diligently with our restoration team, insurance company and Village of Hinsdale to assess the damage and hope to have more information later this week,” Vlahos said, adding that he hopes to re-open as soon as possible.
