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A long time Bay Minette restaurant caught fire earlier this morning. Just before noon, dozens of first responders flocked to Street's Seafood Restaurant. Founded in 1986 by the Overstreet family, the restaurant now has an uncertain future. We received a call about 11:15 this morning for a fire inside the restaurant. Just before noon, Street's Seafood Restaurant caught fire. Smoke was pouring out of the building. This was the scene from neighboring homes as the blaze raged on. So, I was actually sitting in my home office and I saw just like a wall of smoke come
in front of the house down the street. Bay Minette Fire Rescue, Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Crossroads Fire Rescue, and White House Forks Volunteer Fire Departments all worked to put out the blaze. First units on scene found heavy smoke conditions throughout the restaurant. It had already been evacuated. Uh the other trucks started getting here. We had fire through the back of the roof. Patrons and workers were inside the building when the blaze initially broke out. The Bay Minette Police Department and Baldwin County Sheriff's Office helped secure the scene once patrons
made it outside. An ambulance with Medstar was also on site. The restaurant put out this statement today saying everyone made it out safely. No official word yet on what started the blaze. We know that it started in the back of the restaurant. We don't know what started it. We're waiting for things to cool off so we can get in there. Still not the roof's not stable enough for us to get in and look around. And once we deemed it safe, then we'll start investigation.
The home-style restaurant was known for its buffet. Neighbor Denise Farrell said the restaurant is a Bay Minette staple. This is a staple of this town. Um the people of Bay Minette are very loyal to their own. And you know, so this is something we gather there after church. We go there to celebrate birthdays. We you know, that's just something that everybody knows where it is and who it is. The locally owned restaurant was established in 1986 by Eugene Overstreet. We love the owner. Um, so you know, definitely hate this for Eugene. Uh, he's a wonderful person and also a big part of our community.
Ferrell spoke with Overstreet today. Here's what she overheard. I think knowing Eugene, the odds are pretty good that it's going to get rebuilt. Um, I did hear him at one point today, you know, try through the tears, I guess, trying to be a little bit light about it, but saying, "Hey, we needed a new roof anyway." So, you know, I'm hoping, yes, I'm definitely hoping that it gets rebuilt and put back. It's the best food in town, by far. The future of the restaurant is still uncertain. Ferrell is one of many that hopes it sees a comeback. It's not just a special occasion kind of place. It's it's our home. It's it's part of this community.
We have reached out to the owner for a comment and have not heard back yet. The restaurant did post to their social media just over an hour ago, asking folks to go support their other businesses in Stockton and Bay Minette. Streets will be closed. Their seafood and meat market are expected to open back up.
