Tonight in Kansas City, the big news is a huge fire at 48th and Belleview. This fire was centralized at JJ's Restaurant, just west of the Plaza area. This fire was started by a gas explosion. This fire raged for roughly two hours before it was brought under control. Flames and smoke could be seen for miles around.
JJ's Restaurant has been proclaimed a "total loss" according to KMBC TV 9 News reports. This is a terrible shame for those who owned and worked at the popular restaurant; but is also a loss for the suppliers. JJ's boasted, on their menu, that they were proud to use local suppliers for many of their food products. Many of these suppliers are in the Kansas City area. Some of the suppliers noted on the menu are local. Crum's Heirlooms in Bonner Springs, Kansas, supplied fresh produce. Farm to Market Bread supplied fresh bread. Long Livestock supplied buffalo meat. The Roasterie supplied coffee products. Santa Fe Trail Honey Farms in Raytown supplied honey. Jude's Rum Cake provided their specialty cakes. There are other suppliers listed on the menu as well.
JJ's Restaurant has been in business since 1985 and was known for its magnificent wine list: said to be one of the best in the world. It also was a popular place for Happy Hour for those who stopped by after work. Its proximity to the Plaza made it convenient for many. The menu at JJ's Restaurant tempted its customers with lobster, steak, soups and salads, fabulous-sounding appetizers, and many other delights.
Please pray for all of those involved in this tragedy. Many apartment-dwellers in the area are evicted from their homes for the night. Other buildings close to JJ's are possibly affected. How widespread the damage is, right now, is unknown. There have been some injuries. Luckily, there have been no reports of fatalities, which is amazing due to the cause of the fire and the idea that this occurred during the dinner hour.
It is this writer's hope that the restaurant will be able to be rebuilt and restored to its prior status. In the meantime, may God be with all of the workers, the firemen, the medical personnel, the Missouri Gas Energy workers, and all others that are involved in this devastating event.
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