Cedarburg restaurant fire

CEDARBURG - Crews are investigating what might have caused a fire at a Cedarburg restaurant.

Investigators say the fire started on a grill inside the kitchen of Rich's Restaurant around 10:20 Monday night and spread up the ventilation system, across the ceiling and into the roof.

No one was in the building at the time, but it took more than 70 firefighters from ten different departments to put out the fire.

Businesses next to Rich's Restaurant say it's a heartbreaking loss to the community and owner.

"He's really devastated. It’s his life and there's a lot of customers of his that come here. Elderly customers that come on a regular basis,” said Sherrie Pals, Grapes and Tastes Wine Bar owner.

"This is pretty much worst thing can happen to restaurant owner, because it's what we live off,” said Miguel Herrera, Jalisco Mexican Food owner.
   
Because of the blaze about 20 jobs are now in jeopardy.

The owner says he would like to reopen.

However, since he hasn't received a damage estimate yet, he isn't sure how long it would take or if he will have to rebuild.