A fire that began Sunday afternoon — just prior to the NFL kick-off games — has temporarily shut down a popular Bethlehem pub.
Bethlehem Fire Chief Matthew Griffin told lehighvalleylive.com flames ignited just after 12:20 p.m. at Pints & Pies Neighborhood Pub, 21 E. Elizabeth Ave.
All patrons and employees evacuated safely on their one from the one-story restaurant, the fire chief said. There were no reported injuries.
Crews brought the flames under control within 20 minutes, Griffin said. However, firefighters spent more time locating and extinguishing hot spots, he said.
The building sustained smoke, fire and water damage, Griffin said.
It’s unclear when Pints & Pies plans to reopen. There was no mention of the incident on the business’ Facebook page and co-owners Jose Pinargote and John Kehm couldn’t immediately be reached Monday afternoon for more information.
The pair opened the Christmas City site in spring 2023. The space previously occupied 21 Crafthouse & Kitchen and prior to that, Roosevelt’s 21st restaurant. Pinargote and Kehm also operate their original Wilson Borough location at 2049 Northampton St., which remains open.
The cause of Sunday’s fire remains under investigation by Bethlehem fire officials.