Tampa Fire Rescue extinguished a blaze at Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q on West Kennedy Boulevard just past midnight on March 11. Nobody got hurt.
TFR crews arrived after reports came in about a structure fire at the 4100 block of West Kennedy Boulevard. Smoke billowed from the building. Firefighters doused the flames fast.
Jimbo’s owner talked with Tampa Bay 28 on Wednesday morning. The fire stayed within one section of the kitchen. He wants to reopen in about two weeks.
The restaurant stayed shut on Wednesday. Tampa Fire Rescue investigators are trying to determine what sparked the fire, though they haven’t pinpointed the source yet.
Tampa Fire Rescue shared information about their response, confirming that crews arrived at the location and found flames spreading through the structure.
This establishment sits within Hillsborough County. West Kennedy Boulevard cuts through a commercial section of Tampa that sees heavy traffic.
“Our many years in business makes us one of the most well-known barbecue places in all of the Bay area, and nothing makes us happier than serving new and regular customers who appreciate our efforts,” the restaurant’s website says, according to WTSP.com.
Fire officials haven’t released specifics about the extent of kitchen damage. The owner didn’t give an exact date when repairs might wrap up.
The investigation continues. Authorities haven’t ruled anything out.
Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q has served the Tampa area for years, offering barbecue to locals and out-of-town guests who pass through.
No firefighters suffered injuries while battling the blaze. Their swift arrival kept destruction limited to part of the kitchen.
The owner plans to get his business running again as fast as he can. But operations can’t restart until crews finish fixing the damaged section.