Fire levels Mining Camp Restaurant
Western-style venue was Apache Junction landmark
The Mining Camp Restaurant in Apache Junction had been a part of Vinton Fugate’s life for the better part of 56 years.
“This restaurant was built in 1961, when I was 13,” he recalled, between puffs from a wood-tipped cigar. “I started as a dishwasher.”
Fugate became part-owner of the restaurant in the 1980s and sole owner soon after.
All that would change early Tuesday morning, when his Mining Camp Restaurant caught fire.
“The lights of the fire truck woke us up. I thought it was a mountain rescue,” said Fugate’s wife, Deborah.
Superstition Fire & Medical District got a call at 3:03 a.m. from a neighbor who spotted the flames.
The restaurant is a total loss, with an estimated value up to $950,000, according to Assistant Fire Chief Richard Ochs.
An old-timey hotel and barn sit right next to the restaurant, though neither were substantially damaged by the fire.
The building that appears to be a hotel is actually where the Fugates live.
Their son, Vinton Wayne Fugate, said his father build built the hotel, the barn and half of the restaurant.
The barn is a venue for birthdays, anniversaries or other private events. Lindzie Djukanovic, a 23-year-old Mesa woman, married her husband, Thomas, in the barn in May.
Djukanovic said she first visited the restaurant for dinner in February and was charmed by its homey and rustic atmosphere.
“That was like our home away from home, and we wanted to go there for our anniversary,” she said. “We’re not sure if we’ll be able to do that and it’s really sad. I hope they’re able to rebuild. It’s heartbreaking to know what happened.”
The fire’s cause had not been determined as of Tuesday morning, but Ochs said it doesn’t appear to be suspicious.
Fire crews spent hours dousing the flames.
“Everyone that has worked here has been my family,” Fugate said.
“All of (Vinton’s) grandchildren have worked here. All of his children have worked here,” Deborah said.
“I’ve worked with him hand-in-hand for 27 years,” she said.
The 56-year-old restaurant was known for its hearty Western fare.
With the looming Superstition Mountains as its backdrop, the restaurant was often sought out as a tourist destination.