Considerable smoke from an electrical fire in a dryer Saturday morning forced a temporary closure of the Wayside Restaurant in Talbotville. Owner Bob Patel discovered the fire just around 9:45 when he started his day at the popular eatery. He immediately called 9-1-1.
Fortunately, the Talbotville station of the Southwold Fire Department is right around the corner.
Southwold Fire Chief Jeff McArthur said crews cleared the scene around noon Saturday and the fire was contained to the dryer. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading within the restaurant.
By early afternoon Patel had connected with his insurance company and a restoration firm was on site to begin the cleanup. He noted food and his extensive variety of Indian spices will all have to be disposed of. However, Patel assures his Feed the Hungry program will continue Mondays with no interruption.
Patel is optimistic the Wayside will re-open for business by the end of this week. There is no damage estimate at this time.
