Popular St. Joseph restaurant catches fire

ST JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) — A popular restaurant caught fire in St. Joseph Thursday night.

Around 8:30 p.m. at the Ribcage, located at the corner of North Main and East Warren Streets, spectators lined up outside to watch firefighters extinguish the flames, trying to save the restaurant.

One witness at the restaurant said the fire started inside with a chimney fire and indoor smoker. He added that customers and staff were quickly evacuated, but the kitchen manager stayed behind, quickly taking action. They said he grabbed a fire extinguisher and did what he could with the flames. He was the last one out of the building.

The St. Joseph, Savoy, Homer and Sidney Fire Departments all responded.

The owner of the restaurant said she did not want to comment.

In a Facebook post , the restaurant thanked the fire departments for their quick response and for keeping the fires contained. They added that repairs are underway but the earliest the restaurant will be opening is next Thursday, May 2.

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