What to Know
- Firefighters spent hours trying to control the fire inside Bridget's Foy's along South Street.
- The blaze left 2 firefighters hurt and 2 dogs being housed at a neighboring pet store dead.
- The popular restaurant has served meals, snacks and drinks since 1978.
More than 24 hours after fire gutted a popular South Street restaurant known for hosting nights out, special events and meetings with friends, firefighters remained on the scene dousing hot spots.
Firefighters continued to block South Street below 3rd Street and 2nd Street from Lombard to Bainbridge Street as they put water on the rubble of Bridget Foy’s Thursday morning.
An employee waiting for a ride home saw smoke coming from the basement of the iconic eatery and bar at 2nd and South streets around 1 a.m. Wednesday. Flames quickly spread as much of the building went up in flames.
More than 100 firefighters spent hours dousing the blaze as heavy smoke poured from the structure and flames shot into the air. Some firefighters spent the early hours of Thursday continuing to pour water onto the rubble.
By daybreak Thursday, large construction equipment was back on the scene digging through what remains of Bridget Foy's.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze. A pair of dogs being housed at Doggie Style, a pet store, next door died. Additional pets were rescued and taken to a veterinarian, according to the Red Paw Relief Team.
"When you have a place in life where you gather with your friends and you lose it, part of that dies with it too," neighbor Jerry Walker said.
Neighbors recalled fondly meals and laughs shared at the restaurant. Bridget Foy's opened in 1978 hosting brunches, lunches, dinners and drinks. It was a popular spot for special occasions and parties.
"I've probably had everyone of my major life events in that building," neighbor Terry Graybos said.
The South Street Headhouse District called the three-story eatery a "cornerstone" of the shopping and dining destination.
"Families from around the city, region and country have come through Foy's doors to find a wonderfully warm welcome and exceptional hospitality from this beloved family (and their staff)," South Street Headhouse District executive director Michael Harris said.
Fire investigators believe the blaze was accidental but they wouldn't know for sure until they could get inside to fully investigate.
