Owners of a Chester -based restaurant group are devastated after their outlet in the West Midlands went up in flames.
More than 60 firefighters have been at the scene of the blaze at the Hickory’s Smokehouse in Wall Heath, Dudley, which broke out at 2.30am in the early hours (Thursday, August 25).
The first restaurant in the five-strong Hickory’s group is at The Groves in Chester with the headquarters based within the Steam Mill Business Centre.
Company founder Neil McDonnell and fellow director John Welsh visited the scene of the fire in the early hours.
In a statement, Hickory’s spokeswoman Paula Brown said: “We are absolutely devastated about the news of the fire at our Wall Heath restaurant both for our team and the local community.
“Thankfully no one has been injured in any way and the fire is now under control. Firefighters have done an incredible job fighting the blaze and we are just waiting to speak to the police and fire Investigation experts to establish the cause. At this stage they are still unable to gain access to the site.”
Paula told The Chronicle staff at the Steam Mill base had been busy dealing with customers with bookings at the restaurant plus media enquiries while the head of human resources had been in contact with affected staff.
It is believed the blaze may have started in the bar area.
The venue used to be known as the Kingfisher Club and hosted a galaxy of top cabaret stars, including Jerry and the Pacemakers, Bob Monkhouse, Joe Longthorn and Frank Carson. It opened as a Hickory’s Smokehouse last November. The building is rented by Hickory’s who nevertheless invested heavily in the premises prior to the opening.
The 200-cover restaurant is the largest in the group and was its first foray into the Midlands. The Chronicle understands Hickory’s would like to re-open the restaurant following its reconstruction. Hickory’s also has restaurants at West Kirby, Rhos-on-sea in North Wales and Burton Green in Warwickshire.
