Fire Engulfs Mejico's Grill In Agoura Hills

AGOURA HILLS, CA —Mejico Grill and Tequila Lounge, a Mexican restaurant located in the building of the former Padri's on 20098 Agoura Road, erupted in flames Saturday afternoon, just a week after it had reopened to customers.

Fire crews were able to put out the fire before it completely burned down, but owner Antonio Vasquez told The Acorn that he does not expect the eatery to be able to reopen for some time.

"This is devastating, emotionally devastating," he said. "Not only because material things are lost but because we feel really proud of being able to employ a lot of associates." Vasquez said that he and his partner had just hired several new employees, and he now worries about them being able to make ends meet.

The fire started in the building's attic around 4:30 p.m., Vasquez told The Acorn. Employees were evacuated, and the fire department was able to put the blaze out in about an hour. The cause is still under investigation.

Flames destroyed a large part of the roof above the kitchen and the bar area, leaving serious damage, and Vasquez says he imagines it will take at least several months to repair. Still, he said that he's just happy that everyone is safe.

"The most important thing is our team - everyone is safe and nothing major happened," he told The Acorn. "That's what we as owners are concerned about - the well-being of our employees."