Pacific Beach Alehouse is closed for repairs the next several weeks in the aftermath of a fire that caused an estimated $1 million damage to the restaurant-bar Feb. 16.
“It was a grease fire, and we’re closed, still assessing the damages,” said Johnny Leal, Alehouse spokesman. “Our goal is to reopen in 60 to 90 days for summer.”
Leal added most of the damage was in the restaurant’s kitchen and restroom, noting, “We’re going to be upgrading while we’re at it.”
“It’s our number one location,” he said of the Alehouse, adding, “There’s been a lot of great support from the community.”
Thanks to the generosity of its owners, many of the establishment’s employees have temporary jobs elsewhere at restaurants in the chain, OMG Hospitality Group, which also owns Union Kitchen and Tap with locations in Encinitas and downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Referring to the welfare of PB Alehouse’s 80-plus employees, Leal said, “Situations like this, all you can do is the best you can for them. Obviously, we can’t take everyone. But we’d love to take 50 percent of them. We’re doing the best we can.”
OMG also owns Backyard Kitchen & Tap, which is accommodating some of Alehouse’s staff and just recently opened at 832 Garnet Ave. following a remodel. The renovated “coastal American eatery” includes the de rigueur combo of reclaimed wood and a set of garage doors opening onto Garnet Avenue. The eatery’s large outdoor area, flanked by living walls, holds an indoor/outdoor bar, cabanas and fire pits. Plans included regularly scheduled entertainment at the venue, everything from live music to late-night DJs.
Heavy smoke was billowing from the restaurant’s second story about 3:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16. Firefighters extinguished most of the blaze in about 25 minutes.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Lee Swanson said about 120 people were inside when the fire broke out, and management evacuated the packed building.
Firefighters initially asked for more crews to help with the blaze in case evacuations were needed but later canceled the request.
The fire started in the kitchen and traveled up a stove vent into the attic, Swanson said.
“We’re getting really excited about reopening and getting our new restaurant off the ground and their feet under them,” Leal said.