Fire destroys O'Rourke's Diner

An overnight fire (2:30AM) destroyed O'Rourke's Diner in Middletown, CT.
Fortunately, nobody was in the building at the time.
The news link doesn't say much, but should update as the day goes on.

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=5348679

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=118

What a terrible thing to happen to such a nice place and the good people who run it, work there and eat there.

According to the Hartford Courant Brian did not have fire insurance.

I hope he rebuilds. On the advice of the Sterns, I had my first steamed cheeseburger there. I liked it more than Ted's.

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-diner-fire-0831,0,1646369.story?coll=hc

Above is an article with photos.

I'm going to really miss that place. I ate there three times, and enjoyed it a lot, even though the booths were too small. But that was part of its charm.

How can you own a popular Diner and NOT have fire insurance?

In a news report yesterday, it was stated that local businesses may be willing to assist O'Rourke's owner to rebuild. Apparently, the diner brought people to Middletown's Main Street and is an asset to the area. I've eaten there once and found the food good. The cramped surroundings are considered charming by some; just uncomfortable by others. No denying that the owner went considerably beyond the usual diner fare. His menu was imaginative and well prepared.

quote:

Originally posted by sinkiller

How can you own a popular Diner and NOT have fire insurance?

I find that strange also.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Stern

What a terrible thing to happen to such a nice place and the good people who run it, work there and eat there.

Brian has said that he plans to rebuild. They are taking contributions and reminiscences.

Please drop by to help.

http://www.orourkesdiner.com/

quote:

Originally posted by baconman

quote:

Originally posted by sinkiller

How can you own a popular Diner and NOT have fire insurance?

I find that strange also.

Highly unusual, especially for what appeared to be a very successful operation.

Wally

It's sad to see this but I'm aware of the problem all to well.

Many restaurants tread on shaky ground.

It's sad to see a place burn.
But then again that's why they call me.

[|)]

Word was they were reopening. Have they?

Not that I am aware of. I work right down the street and last time I drove by it was still boarded up and it did not look like any rebuilding had occurred at all.

Here's a link to a story about the rebuilding of O'Rourke's:

http://www.courant.com/entertainment/dining/hc-ctorourkes0123.artjan23,0,6456200.story

flattop5-
Thanks for posting the link. I had been very curious what was going on, since I hadn't heard anything for a while.

I wrote in another thread what a great experience I had at O'Rourke's on my one and only visit. It is great to hear the locals rallying around Brian and getting this place rebuilt.

Good news. Thanks.