OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine — Joseph's by the Sea restaurant in Old Orchard Beach suffered heavy fire and smoke damage Monday morning.
Smoke was showing from the kitchen area when officials from the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department responded to the restaurant at 55 West Grand Ave. around 5:50 a.m., according to Deputy Chief James Butler.
Butler said the parking lot was empty and the business was closed at the time of the fire. Nobody was injured, according to Butler.
Joseph's by the Sea has been in Old Orchard Beach since 1968. NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with the owner, Scott McCrum, on Monday. He said hundreds of thousands of dollars had recently been invested in the restaurant and they had been having a great season. He did indicate the restaurant plans to reopen at some point.
Officials from the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office and Old Orchard Beach Police Department are conducting a joint investigation.
Fire departments from Scarborough, Biddeford, Saco, and Goodwins Mills responded to assist, Butler said.
Butler said the restaurant was fortunate the fire happened when it did, as it allowed crews to get to a hydrant quickly to knock it down.