Smoke and flames spewed from a downtown restaurant in Winnipeg early Thursday morning.
Emergency crews were called to Boujee Restaurant and Bar around 5:45 a.m. and found an active fire inside the building at the corner of Main Street and York Avenue.
The fire was declared under control within an hour and no injuries were reported, a news release from the city said. Several roads were closed around the area through much of the morning rush hour.
One of the restaurant’s owners said he’s in shock, but did not want to comment any further.
The city said the fire is under investigation and damage estimates are not yet available.
The incident comes on the heels of a string of cases of alleged arson and extortion at some Winnipeg restaurants.
Shaun Jeffrey, CEO of the Manitoba Restaurant and Food Services Association, said the industry needs to continue advocating for governments to do more to fight crime.
Damage from the fire can be seen around the patio doors at Boujee Restaurant and Bar. (Meaghan Ketcheson/CBC)
“We have to leave the investigation to the police … [but] it’s not an unheard fact that downtown Winnipeg has a crime problem,” Jeffrey said.
“We need to make it a place where people feel confident 100 per cent of the time to go to. That’s just not the case right now.”
Jeffrey said incidents like Thursday’s fire hurt the downtown’s reputation and local businesses’ efforts to turn it into a thriving area.
‘We all hope that Winnipeg businesses thrive’
People walking by Boujee Thursday afternoon told CBC News they were disappointed to hear what had happened.
Michelle Joseph said she dined there with her cousins earlier this week.
“It was a great place to hang out. The food was fabulous,” she said, calling it a landmark.
“I’m very sad that this has happened to a local restaurant.”
Sharilyn Stein said she feels badly for the owners.
“We all hope that Winnipeg businesses thrive and do well,” she said. “Winnipeg is a tough city for sure, but it’s unfortunate.”
WATCH | Winnipeg restaurant Boujee burns in early morning fire on Main Street :
Boujee fire a blow to downtown Winnipeg restaurant scene, says advocate
Fire crews were called to Boujee Restaurant at Main Street and York Avenue early Thursday morning. The cause is under investigation, but the fire comes on the heels of a string of alleged arsons and extortions at some establishments in central Winnipeg. The incident has one industry advocate calling for more support for the hospitality sector.