Fire officials say a popular local restaurant is most likely a total loss after a weekend fire.
Crews were called to W. Rick’s Taproom and Grill on Meridian Road after a fire broke out Sunday just after 2 a.m.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find flames roaring from the building.
Crews were able to get the flames under control after about two hours.
Butler Township Fire Chief Scott Frederick said the damage was significant and believes that it is “a probable total loss.”
He also said that the cause of the fire is under investigation, but does not believe it is suspicious.
Frederick says that the building is labeled as “unsafe” so no one other than permitted officials can go inside. He says it does not pose any hazard to the community.
The Reiber family purchased the restaurant in 1998—renaming it W. Rick’s Taproom and Grill. The establishment has served as a staple in the Meridian area, previously as the Meridian Inn and J.D.’s Pub.
Future plans for W. Rick’s are not known at the moment.