Legendary restaurant and Red Lobster rival abruptly closes due to tragic circumstances after more than 70 years
A LEGENDARY restaurant has been forced to close its doors after serving loyal customers for over 70 years due to a fire.
The Red Lobster rival was established in 1950 and despite changes in ownership, its traditional recipes have stayed the same, making it a popular fixture.
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However, Ted’s Fried Clams and Rockhouse Ice Cream in York County, Maine was hit by disaster last week, causing its abrupt closure.
On May 9, the restaurant’s Facebook page announced: “We will be closed until further notice due to a fire.
“Our owner was transported to Goodall Hospital and then transferred and admitted into another hospital for smoke inhalation.
“Please keep the entire Ted’s Fried Clams and Rockhouse Ice Cream staff in your prayers.”
One Facebook user and fan of the seafood diner was left “shocked” after seeing the devastation caused by the fire.
“I was shocked and saddened when I came around the corner at 1:00 am on my way to work and saw the scene,” she wrote.
The owner Jason Cole has since been released from the hospital and has thanked those who helped him.
A Facebook update read: “Jason wanted to reach out to see if anyone knows who the very kind man and woman were that stopped and helped him when he was down on the sidewalk and get him safely to the side of the parking lot and also gave him a blanket.
“He wanted to express his deepest gratitude for the care and compassion.
“He appreciates everyone who has reached out and offered support to the family and the Ted’s Fried Clams and Rockhouse Ice Cream Family.
“We shall overcome this stronger and with new sprinklers.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but while the building was left standing, much will need to be done before the site can re-open.
The restaurant has reassured fans that it will “rebuild and be back even better than before.”
A number of people commented on the Facebook announcement of the fire calling the site “cursed.”
Last month, the restaurant held its grand re-opening after taking over from previous owners.
However, it had a baptism of fire with a number of problems in the kitchen including a visit from the emergency services.
On April 12, the grand opening day arrived and the digital ordering system went down, meaning staff and the kitchen had to change to paper slips, and over half of the grill stopped functioning.
The problems meant that food services closed early, leaving visitors to just the ice cream options.
The following day, the restaurant was forced to issue a notice that informed people of a serious medical emergency involving their chef.
“Due to a serious medical emergency involving a key member of our staff, and the fact that we identified areas that we would improve, I have made the difficult decision to reopen next Wednesday, April 19th,” the Facebook post said.
After a few days without a hitch, the restaurant was then hit by another disaster which saw the Shapleigh Fire and EMS arrive on the scene.
A Facebook post on April 23, read: “You can’t make this stuff up.
“Around 1130am, in the ice cream room, there was a strong smell of propane.
“We immediately smelt it in 2 areas and evacuated about 85 people from the restaurant and crew. The crew worked swiftly to safely evaluate every one. Three people were evaluated by Shapleigh Rescue.
“Our goal is everyone’s safety, and within 2 minutes, everyone was evaluated.”
“Damn! You guys just can’t catch a break,” one Facebook user wrote.
Following the latest news of the fire, fans of the restaurant sent their “thoughts and prayers” for Jason and the staff members and “for better luck.”
“Here’s to a future filled with success, joy, and happiness,” another fan added.
A number of loyal restaurant goers are already keen to return to their favorite food spot.
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