Côte-St-Luc Bar-B-Q damaged by fire
Montreal’s charcoal-grilled chicken institution Côte-St-Luc Bar-B-Q will be closed for several weeks after a fire that started in the commercial ventilation system of the 64-year-old restaurant caused $300,000 in damages and destroyed two apartments located upstairs.
Firefighters were called to the three-storey building housing Côte-St-Luc Bar-B-Q at 6 a.m. Thursday, at the corner of CôteSt-Luc Blvd. and Earnscliffe Ave., one block west of Décarie Blvd.
A fire within the ventilation system exhausting fumes from the chicken-roasting ovens grew so hot it ignited the wooden framing of the apartments above, setting fire to two apartments.
Chefs at the establishment — which cooks about 1,200 maple, charcoal-grilled chickens a week as well as baby-back ribs and mountains of fries — start the brick ovens at 5:30 a.m.
Nine residents will be without a permanent home for at least two months. The Red Cross will cover lodging and food expenses for the first three days, after which municipal services will help if required.
The other two apartments were spared. No injuries were reported.
It’s not certain how long it will be before Côte-St-Luc Bar-B-Q can reopen.
“We have very loyal customers, many who have been coming more than 25 years,” owner Johnny Castellano said. “They’ll be back.”
Some of them drove by Thursday morning despite the rush-hour traffic jam caused by the blaze to wish him well and pledge their support.
Castellano said the restaurant’s sprinkler system and quick work from firefighters saved the building, but caused extensive water damage to the establishment.
He estimated it will be two months before he can reopen, and fears it could be difficult finding contractors during a busy season for builders made even busier by demands for flood-related repairs.
The ventilation system is checked by inspectors every three to four months, he said.
“It’s a lot to swallow,” said Castellano, who has 32 employees and was planning anniversary celebrations for their 65th year in business. He’s insured for the damages, and for lost revenue caused by the business interruption.
“It’s a little hiccup,” he said. “It’s tough, especially when you’re used to working every day.
“But we’ll band together. And we’ll have a lot of work to do rebuilding.”