So we’re not breaking any news, but we did stop by to photograph the scene today around lunch. The fire broke out shortly after 4:00 this morning and is believed to have originated in the rear dumpster. The neighborhood surrounding Cafe Mimosa lost power for several hours today, but electricity was restored before noon. Bardstown Road was blocked in both directions as firefighters roamed through still smoldering building. Luckily the fire was contained to the restaurant and did not spread to either adjacent building, including an animal clinic. With temperatures below zero or in single digits, water from the fire fight froze on all surfaces around the scene creating a surreal hell-frozen-over atmosphere.
The roof collapsed into the building and the structure has been declared a total loss. We haven’t heard from the business owners or if there are plans to rebuild or reopen in another location. The entire scene was quiet and icy. A TARC bus had been brought in to offer firefighters refuge from the extreme cold. The roads and sidewalks have been salted, but the area is still slick. There were also an arson tip line posters on nearby telephone polls, but we don’t believe this has been ruled an arson yet.
This is so sad! We just ate there 2 weeks ago. We love the food and the service, no better chinese place in the city. They have some excellent sushi rolls too. Can't wait until they rebuild it!
Well from what I heard the owner may be in jail for a while so you might have a long wait. Doubt he'll get his insurance payout either.
What happened? Foul play? That really sucks, we loved going there on Sundays. 🙁
That’s what I heard, from some others in the local asian community… all heresay of course unless they make an official announcement…
I’ll be listening for some news. Til then I am going to keep my fingers crossed for a comeback! 🙂
Haven’t heard anything definitive either way, but the owner, Phat Le, was quoted in the C-J recently that he hopes to rebuild soon. The place was boarded up today, and besides some char and ice, the walls look to be standing on their own. We’ll see were it goes…
Owner in jail??? Why? What is that all about?
I have known this guy for 20-Years, his bills are paid early. The Arson Rumor is simply that,and should be avoided. The restaurant industry in general is currently under great financial pressure and this unfortunate fire is simply one more major hurdle for a good local businessman to overcome.
No Assumptions should be made…
Good to hear, David. Hopefully they can rebuild the place soon or relocate to a new spot in the area. Any word on a timetable for reopening?