Two restaurants suffered extensive damage following a Wednesday fire in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.
Around 5 p.m. fire crews were called to the 4000 block of Park Road in the Fish Alley District where Casa Taco and Casino Steaks & Pizzeria are located for reports of a fire, according to Katherine Custer, director of Sea Isle public relations.
A total of six fire companies responded to the call and assisted with getting the fire under control, Custer said.
The two-story building of Casa Taco had visible fire and smoke coming through its roof.
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A man captured the fire on video and posted it to Facebook.
Adjacent buildings were evacuated as a precaution, but they do not appear to have suffered any damage, officials said.
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There were no reported injuries in this fire.
At this time the cause of the fire is unknown. Investigators said it appeared to have started in the ceiling area above the kitchen at Casa Taco and then spread. They also believe the fire was accidental.
Jim Bennett, the owner of Casino Steaks & Pizzeria, told NBC10 the fire was particularly devastating due to it occurring only two weeks before Labor Day weekend.
"It really sets us back. It's a real setback and it's a shame," he said. "What Labor Day weekend does for you is it propels you into the offseason. And to lose the Labor Day weekend, really is going to make it a tough winter season."
Despite the widespread damage, Bennett is still thankful that no one was hurt.
"Fire trucks got here so quickly and got this out so quickly. It was amazing," he said. "This could've been ten times worse."
Bennett is also thankful for other businesses in the area that are stepping in to help. Local leaders said Sea Isle City will work to provide assistance for both restaurants and help their employees find other jobs in town.
"I'm very, very thankful for the local business community," Bennett said. "They've let us know anything we need they're going to get our back."
Editor's note: This has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of the business Casa Taco name.
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