Fire strikes Moma’s BAR-B-Q
Damage to Bartlett eatery is extensive
An early morning fire caused severe damage Wednesday at a longtime Bartlett barbecue restaurant.
Owners of Moma’s Bar-B-Q at 6301 Stage said a grease fire caused the damage.
The fire started about 4 a.m.
An employee, Diana “Blondie” Grunden, who had arrived a short time earlier and was preparing to open for business, escaped without injury, said Danny Banton, one of the restaurant’s owners.
Bartlett f ire officials confirmed the blaze appears to be accidental and caused by the grease fire.
Banton started the restaurant with his mother more than 30 years ago.
Banton now co- owns Moma’s Bar-B- Q co- owner Danny Banton (middle) walks through the charred remains of the restaurant at 6301 Stage Road as employees gather outside. Bartlett fire officials confirmed that the blaze was an accident and was caused by an early morning grease fire. the business with Kenny Geiger.
The fire caused extensive damage throughout the business.
Banton said it could be three months before it reopens.
A laundromat adjacent to the restaurant also received smoke and water damage.
As the owners and their employees stood outside assessing the damage and cleaning up debris, a number of customers pulled up asking if they needed help and extending best wishes.
Bartlett Fire Chief Terry Wiggins said the department responded at 4:19 a.m. and was on the scene six minutes later. The fire was reported knocked down by 4:39 a.m.