Fire at Jose's Blue Sombrero Maybe Started in Chip Warmer

A possible malfunction in the chip warmer caused about $10,000 worth of damage at Jose's Blue Sombrero restaurant Saturday.

According to Lt. John Radewan of South Shore Fire Department, fire fighters responded at 10:20 a.m. to the restaurant for calls of a structure fire. When SSFD arrived, Mount Pleasant Police were on scene and reported there was smoke coming from the kitchen door at the back of the building, but no flames were visible.

"Employees who were present were evacuated and there were no injuries," Radewan said.

But, interior damage at the restaurant, 6430 Washington Avenue, is estimated at about $10,000 for the chip warmer, an ice machine, a coffee maker and ceiling tiles, all of which will need to be replaced.

The Lt. said they called in the health department to inspect the premises to find out if the restaurant could be open at least for drinks until the kitchen is back up and running.

Andy Talbott, general manager at Jose's, said at 4 p.m. Saturday that Jose's is open for cocktails but not for dinner.

"We are serving drinks for anyone that would like to join us," he said. "And we anticipate being open again for lunch on Monday."

Fire investigators are still reviewing the situation to determine a cause.