The fire that engulfed Kaballos Mexican Kitchen & Bar in Middlefield on Sunday morning has left the popular eatery a “most likely total loss,” according to officials. The Middlefield Fire Department reported that the roof collapsed during the blaze, which began around 9:30 a.m. when employees at the restaurant smelled burning and promptly called 911.
Fire Response and Control
It took firefighters approximately 20 minutes to bring the fire under control, according to Middlefield Fire Captain Tony Yeropoli. Multiple agencies assisted in combating the blaze at the West High Street location. The swift response from neighboring departments helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby businesses.
Investigation Ongoing
While the official cause remains under investigation, firefighters believe electrical issues may have sparked the fire. The Geauga County Fire Investigative Unit was on scene examining the evidence, though they have not yet released an official determination.
Community Impact
The fire has devastated not only the business owners but also loyal patrons. Kim Masaitis, whose daughter-in-law manages the restaurant, expressed her distress upon seeing the scene. “Oh, it’s just devastation. It’s just so sad,” she told reporters. “It was horrible, and to watch them watch this, it really got to my heart.”
Kaballos Mexican Kitchen & Bar had established itself as a favorite dining spot in the community, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and friendly service. The restaurant was rated 4.4 out of 5 based on hundreds of reviews and was ranked #1 of 6 seafood restaurants in Middlefield.
The owners have not yet announced plans for rebuilding or relocating. Community members have expressed support for the restaurant staff affected by this devastating loss.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.