Fire destroys 7 shops in Fenway
(Video by John R. Ellement/Globe Staff)
By Andrew Ryan and John R. Ellement, Globe Staff, and Michele Richinick, Globe Correspondent
A four-alarm fire tore through a block of shops early this morning near Fenway Park, destroying six restaurants and a dry cleaner as it caused an estimated $5 million in damage.
Firefighters continued pouring water on the rubble hours after the blaze started just before 2 a.m. in a restaurant at the corner of Kilmarnock and Peterborough streets. It took more than 100 firefighters to battle the flames, which forced the evacuation of a block of brick apartment buildings that housed 130 elderly and disabled residents, some of whom were in wheelchairs. The owners of several of the restaurants rushed to the scene of the fire, which sent smoke across the Fens and more than a mile away into the South End.
"It's very upsetting," said James Hoben, owner of El Pelon Taqueria, which was destroyed by the flames. Hoben, a selectman in Yarmouth, said his wife was at home weeping.
No one was hurt in the blaze, but two firefighters slipped on ice while working to extinguish the flames, said Steve MacDonald, a spokesman for the Boston Fire Department.
"When firefighters arrived, they had heavy fire showing from the restaurant on the corner," Thornton's Fenway Grille, MacDonald said. "The fire spread, got in the ceiling, spread horizontal, and pretty much destroyed all seven stores."
All the businesses were closed when the fire started. When it was determined that no one was inside the block-long brick building, firefighters left the building because it appeared that the roof might give way. Crews continued fighting the flames from outside the building, dousing the fire with ladder pipes and tower units, MacDonald said.
Officials evacuated the elderly and disabled housing complex because they detected high levels of carbon monoxide from the wafting smoke, MacDonald said. The residents were taken to William McKinley Preparatory High School on Peterborough Street, which also served as a shelter for firefighters seeking refuge from the 20-degree weather. The McKinley school was not damaged by the fire, but it will be closed today. All staff are required to report to the McKinley Middle School on St. Mary Street, according to the Boston Schools Department.
The restaurants destroyed by the blaze also included Greek Isles Restaurant, Rod-Dee Thai Cuisine II Fenway, Umi Japanese Restaurant, and Sorento's Italian Gourmet. The fire also inflicted minor damage on a two-story garage behind the row of shops, MacDonald said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters are expected to be on scene all day pouring water on hotspots. An accelerant sniffing dog named Yahtzee from the State Fire Marshal's office was brought to the scene to check for signs of arson, which is standard at any significant fire.
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"When it was determined that no one was inside the block-long brick building, firefighters evacuated the building"
huh?
What about that place Church?
Not El Pelon!
Nooooooooooooooo!!!
Nooooo!!! I hope they rebuild...i love El Pelon!
What a shame. Thornton's was a great place to get a sandwich and a beer before a Sox game. Hope they rebuild the block and that all the workers affected by the blaze land on their feet.
Dear god and all that is holy... NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The fires of Satan herself has taken away one of the most important burrito inventions ever... The El Guapo! I can only hope that the good people of the boston police department will bring the humans or faulty wires to justice.
Good luck to all that are in the area and depended on those fine food sources.
I'll miss Fenway's Restaurant Row. RIP, because surely some Menino-crony bigshot developer will buy up the plot and stick another luxury condo skyscraper on the neighborhood.
NOOOOOO NOT EL PELON AGAIN!
This is so terrible. I live right behind there on Queensberry St, and the smoke and sirens woke me up- but I had no idea it was this bad until I saw the damage for myself this morning. My sincere condolences to the owners and employees of these business. It is a tragic day for the community; these were staples of the Fenway area.
Devastating :'(. I hope the business owners are able to rebuild and I hope there is an opportunity for Fenway residents to volunteer to help out in some way!
Beloved El Pelon...other places don't compare, so sad.
No. God no. Please.
Thornton's. Now that Curt is retired...where will we go eat before a Red Sox Game?
El Pelon WILL come back. It must! I just fear that this will be used to build another 5-story pricey condo building with no restaurants.
Will,
"When it was determined that no one was inside the block-long brick building, firefighters evacuated the building"
means that after the firefighters determined there was no-one else in the building, they got out, too.
I wish Church had burned down, that place sucks.
For the second time in two years higher powers have decided that we are not worthy to receive El Pelon... only this time they decided to take out almost every other good fenway restaurant. Between this and Brown Sugar closing, Fenway is taking a serious hit to its dining credability
Umi is the best sushi in the area. My sympathy to the owners and staff. I',m sure they'll rebuild stronger and better!
Horrible. El Pelon was the bust Burrito in Boston.... by far. Nobody even came close to matching their quality of ingredients. Their steak actually tasted like grilled quality steak... unlike the utterly tasteless cardboard you will find plopped into an Anna's burrito.
Thorntons had their bright spots too- just crushing news. I hope they all re-open.
Why couldn't this have happened at TJ Scallywaggles in Allston?!
:'(
Rats. I was hoping Game On burned down.
This is really sad. This block had, what I consider some of the best places for quick eats in the area. El Pelon was unmatched by ANY of the other burrito shops in the city, including everyone's beloved Anna's. Rod-Dee thai was excellent for cheap, fast thai food, and Umi, previously Na-ha, was hands down the best sushi place around. El Pelon had a fire last year, and reopened, so hopefully everyone gets nice big insurance checks and manage to reopen the best strip of food joints in the city.
Please don't turn these into condos, those are good restaurants!
This is a great loss for the community, particularly with Brown Sugar moving out soon for unrelated reasons.
At least Church and the Trattoria Tuscana are still in business.
Horrid. I lived a block away for 7 years and moved away last summer. I drove back this morning and took a bunch of pictures. A sad, sad day for that neighborhood. I saw some of the biz owners standing across the street and I just wanted to give them all a hug. Unless these are rebuilt, Fenway will never be the same... Church just doesn't cut it.
"When it was determined that no one was inside the block-long brick building, firefighters evacuated the building"
huh?
It means the firefighters themselves evacuated the building. they were no longer in there looking for people.
Oh no. I've been living in the Fenway and going to those restaurants for 10 years. Having such a variety of restaurants in one place is one of the jewels of the Fenway that I hope is rebuilt as fast as possible.
I'm glad no one was seriously hurt. Also El Pelon rocks. Please come back. JP would love you...look there!
Funny that Boylston is changing rapidly to high rise condo's and business. The whole street is in the middle of a huge transition. Wonder if the fire had anything to do with the price of real estate?
I once took the Fung Wah to Boston just for Rod Dee II. RIP Epcot St. You will be missed.
My husband and I were woken up by the smells but had no idea it was that bad until this morning. I agree that the mini "Epcot Center" of restaurants made the Fenway neighborhood and as a resident of Peterborough Street they will be sorely missed. That strip of restaurants really made Fenway feel like one of the last true "neighborhoods" in Boston.
Seriously, wth!? Pelon burns down twice in the past 2 years? Come on, hopefully a much needed renovation and maybe a beer license will come from all this, I am going to miss fish burritos and spicy crispy chicken from next door. Restaurant row RIP........
RIP, El Pelon :'(
I hope the block will be re-built and these businesses re-opened.
el pelon and all the restaurants next to it, including thorton's, burnt down last night.
The promise of a fish taco at El Pelon would often get me through a bad day at work.
This block was one of my favorite spots in the city. An intimate, popular, casual, attractive public space, not dominated by cars, chain restaurants or architectural monstrosities with a great variety of food, most of it very tasty, all at inexpensive prices. Spaces like this are a dying breed. The neighborhood and city become less livable as a result.
I'll be very surprised if the owner of the building doesn't cash in by putting up a huge building with a Papa Gino's .
A tremendous loss to the Fenway and to Boston.
It's been more than 15 years since I moved from the Fenway neighborhood, and I've lived up and down the East Coast since then, and I still remember Sorrento's pasta primavera as the best in the world. what a tragedy, I hope they rebuild.
This is so sad! I used to go to Thorntons and El Pelon's all the time when I lived on Queensberry. Those were some great local spots; hopefully they can rebuild.
THORNTON's!!
NOOOOOOOOOOo
I love El Pelon too.
I cant believe it!
El Pelon burned down again! And this time they took Thornton's with them? WHY GOD?
Another mysterious fire- future home of the 28 story Sox-Menino, inc. Office Tower and Parking Garage Mall Office Complex.
(And you thought the Orson Wells Cinema burned down because of a "fire in the popcorn machine". Moo-ha-ha-ha!)
ellll peeeelllloooooonnnnnn
While I feel terrible for the loss and for all involved. I had drycleaning at Bon Cleaners. Does anyone know who owns the building or how to get in touch with the cleaners? thanks, Jordan
To the owners and staff at Greek Isles: I hope for your speedy return to business. Here's to the people responsible for the best Greek food I've ever had, and the sweetest, friendliest service! Best of luck, and know there are more people out there pulling for you than you'll ever know.
I'm so sorry for Niko's loss! Greek Isles is a terrific restaurant. I hope they rebuild...Niko's food is delicious. He and his family are wonderful people; you're in our thoughts!
So sad to hear Thornton's Fenway Grille is gone. Great food, people, and memories...
SAD!!! Not Rod Dee!!! The best Thai anywhere :( I hope they rebuild.
Suspicious.
Dear El Pelon,
Please rebuild in arlington.
All the best,
adam
I've enjoyed fine meals and good times at Sorrento's for the past 20 years. Let's hope all these establishments can return to this location.
I hope they rebuild. Too many people loved those places... Umi's was my favorite sushi place. The people that run it are awesome. I want to come back :(
I too also hope it doesn't get bought out and turned into another condo complex.... Not enough awesome eateries like those these days.
I practically lived in these restaurants for years when I called Fenway home. If anyone deserves to survive the shark-infested waters of insuance claims and fight off the real estate pirates, its these folks. I pray for the swift return of these Fenway gems.
About time.
Anything connected to Fenway Park, Allston-style students living here and gays abounding the Fenway--any disaster is welcome to unsettle this tired neighborhood.
Oh reader: I've seen the environs since the mid-Sixties.
I know what I'm talking about.
Live in Boston and anyone...anyone would be tired of students and Allston forevermore, trust me.
Too bad Game On didnt burn as well
What a trifle odious place and pretentious as well.
Ever see the types who have fashion sunglasses and the carpets of Red Sox red all over themselves? Anything to fit in I guess. I guess!
Where can I get a free pink RS hat to use for target practice?
Yankees are coming in a few months, fans, get to Marshalls or Sears on towel sales. You'll thank me later.
maybe fire sprinklers would have prevented this situation.those businesses probably were'nt required to have sprinklers under the new law, might be time to expand that law, at least nobody was killed.
That is horrible, I can't believe El Pelon went down in flames AGAIN! Both El Pelon and Thorntons need to rebuild!! El Pelon had amazing burritos, and the burgers at Throntons were fantastic, not to mention the 24 specials on show nights.
Pelon is the best restaurant in Boston! Nooo say it isn't so. I really hope they come back bigger and better.... Well, bigger.
Sounds to me like the owner of Thorton's (yes the one who snacks on customers food before it goes out, and slaps his waitresses on the butt, and harasses them, and is loud mouth dumb jerk) started the fire. Yea for insurance reasons to recover from his failing business. Just speculation.
this is absolutely devastating. the day i moved into the neighborhood i thought it was fate that right around the corner existed every cuisine i enjoy...and they were ALL GREAT! not only that, but I had come to know and like a lot of the staff/owners. and as Adam B. mentioned, I hope there is something that we as fenway residents can do to help...thoughts?
I hope they all rebuild their shops. It'd be a shame to see yet another high-end condo complex in the area.
Although I don't live there now, some of my fondest memories in the neighborhood were the smells of Sorento's and enjoying a burger and beer alfresco at Thornton's.
It's very sad to hear all these places got destroyed. My hearts go to the restaurant employees and owners. I truly enjoyed going to El Pelon because of their great Mexican food and staff. Living in Boston (originally from L.A) this was as close to home as I going to get....
i just hope they not going to build another condo there. our street is not going to be the same, they wont rebuild it the way it was.
I assume I'm not the only one that thinks it's not normal for as many buildings as do burn in Boston to be attributable to purely accidental causes.
In other news, The Boston Red Sox announced that they are moving forward with their long-delayed plans to further develop the area in the immediate vicinity of Fenway Park
nooooooooooooooooooo not thortons! now where will I get the most amazing cheese fries?
El Pelon and Thornton's are two of the best restaurants in the area. El Pelon has survived fires before, I hope all of these businesses make it back.
The firefighters did not evacuate the building - the firefighters left the building.
I love Thornton's before a game and I hope they are able to rebuild!
RIP El Pelon- the El Guapo was a staple of my diet during graduate school. Just as Thorton's was my favorite hang out on a snowy day when school/ work was canceled. Restaurant Row MADE Fenway such a cool neighborhood. Without it, that area just loses some of its charm.
I'll get sick to my stomach if I have to watch another trendy luxury condo complex get built there- filled with they types that fill that over-rated trendy Church place. Anyone remember when that was Linwood BBQ??? Another awesome Fenway staples that disappeared.
So happy I live in Somerville now...
El Pelon must rebuild!
If there's any kind of a support fund for rebuilding El Pelon, I would contribute immediately. They deserve my checks way more than starving children or human rights or whatever.
Terrible news,my sympathies to nate and his staff and all the business's employees who are now out of work.
This is the second time in the last few years that this place has burned down. Who the hell is going to insure it for a third run? It like they are deliberately setting fire to themselves.
I will miss the Burritos.
It is a shame now the nuvo rich can come in and build some eurotrash craphole , with the corrupt state approval .
Sorento's was an amazing italian food spot too, always a favorite to bring a date, or just to have some eggplant parm. What a shame...
I'm at a loss for words. I have never tasted a better Burrito...El Pelon, I love thee!!!
I can't believe Rod Dee II is no more!! I will now have to migrate over to Rod Dee on Beacon St. for their Indonesian Fry Wice. =(
A very sad day for residents of the area. Three of my favorite restaurants were on that strip. Very odd for me atleast was the fact that I was at El pelon last week taking photos of it for a friend who was moving out of the area. I'm very glad to have them now. If anyone loves El pelon and is interested in owning some artwork of it let me know and I'll send you some samples. medeiros.anatneu.edu
Thornton's, what can I say? I have many fond, if a little hazy, memories of living on Peterborough St back in the early 90's, plenty of nights wandering over to grab some cheese fries and a couple of beers. The patio was a great place to while away a hot summer night. Thornton's, you will be missed!!
There were weeks where I ate at Rodee every day, same with El Palon (best burrito period) and I loved the food at Thorntons. Last years fire at El Palon was horrible but at least they reopened
I was only to punches away from a free burrito too :(
Why, oh why? Why have the flames destroyed El Pelon, home of El Guapo, haven for the Americanos-lovers, the worshipers of that oh to hot sauce? Please, dear God, give back our church for the hungry and weary.
I lived in the Fenway for a while and, like many others, appreciated this mini "restaurant row." In fact, even though I no longer live in the neighborhood I was at Thornton's a few months ago after a Sox game.
However, I never quite understood why people thought El Pelon was so special. Before you bemoan the loss too much, try the steak burrito at El Triunfo, a little hole-in-the-wall on E. Berkeley St. in the South End. I agree about places like Anna's but there are other great little independent burrito places that, for my money, beat out El Pelon any day of the week.
Thank God Church is still there. They have GREAT food.
RIP Roddee II and El Pelon. You guys are like family. You'll be missed. But there is still Roddee I on Beacon St.
Please, PLEASE don't sell this building to another condo developer! BRING EL PELON AND THORTONS BACK!!!
lived on queensberry from 98-04... i will miss you thornton's... Didn't know that Linwood grille is no more?? When i moved in 04 they were doing renovations, so i guess that turned into some other type of joint now? Man, i must really have not been aroudn there in 5 years.
Sorento's is my fav, hope you can rebuild and re-open. We'll be there. Glad no souls were lost.
No one wants or needs another Chili's, Applebee's, Friday's, etc.
I've lived on Peterborough for 6 years and was extremely saddened to see the firetrucks there this morning. Thortons has been my go-to spot for weekend brunches and it will be deeply missed.
My thoughts go out to the owners and employees of those restaurants. I do hope that each are able to rebuild--I'd be very sad to see another condo high rise come in and take their spot. Each of those restaurants helped make the Fenway neighborhood what it was.
What a loss.
Going to miss Greek Isles. Feel really badly for the kind owner. I hope I find him and his family making zouzoukakia somewhere else. those turd shaped meatballs rocked.
Sorento's nnoooooooooooooooooooooooo :(((( how is it possible? it's my and my boyfriend's favorite no FAVORITE place. We would go there several times a week, order lunch...We went there for Valentine's Day, our anniversary...My favorite stuffed shells...and gnocchi and their rolls were out of this world. we loved them so much we never actually went to try any other places - did not want to be disappointing.
And I remember Linwood! My two close friends used to work there before the place got sold out and turned into Church.
I
No one has mentioned the plantains, yet... where else can I get the perfect plantains around here, if not El Pelon?
Hymns for tacos?
Who read such elegies?!
Boston dot com peeps
Some forlorn fatties
Chalupa conspiracists,
Won’t eat El Pelon.
Eighty some comments!
What Vexatious use of time
This wintry sad day!
I live on Peterborough, and I love this street in large part because of those restaurants. My thoughts go out to all the restaurant owners and employees. To Thornton's, Greek Isles, Rod Dee, El Pelon, Umi and Sorrento's: Please please please rebuild just as you were! The neighborhood won't be the same without you.
El Pelon burnt down again? Did someone anger the burrito gods again?
Sounds suspicious to me. All mom and pop stores that either can't afford to or won't rebuild. Does someone want to build more high-end condos over there? Let's face it, we definitely need more condos in this city that are within the $2.1-3 Mil range.
Give me a break! This reeks of scandal!
The mayor and city must do everything in their power to help rebuild this "restaurant row" treasure. In the meantime, all of these restaurants will be sorely missed!
I moved to the Peterborough Street about a little less than 2 years now from NYC and found that the row of restaurants on Peterborough were what gave Fenway a great neighborhood community feeling.
I hope they decide to rebuild and not make condos as many of the other people stated.
Good luck to all the owners and the employees!!
: (
So sad. I live around the corner from all these places. I feel terrible for the business owners and employees...when I think of how someone must have put so much time and effort into maintaining a business. Thank God no one was hurt, at least.
OH MY GOOOOD!! EL PELOOON NOOOOOO!!!
No more El Pelon:-(
I guess El Pelón is the main loss in this incident. That's probably the restaurant I miss the most from my college days in Boston. My sympathy to all the Pelón fans here from Guatemala!
So SAD!!!! I work nearby and loved "Fenway Epcot". I have eaten lunch at either El Pelon or Rod Dee for half of my working days the past two years.
And Brown Sugar getting bumped out of their location on Jersey Street too... ugh... and Boston Billiards got closed as of Monday.... it's all just too depressing. What's popping up in their place? Soulless chains like "Chipotle" and "UFood Grill".
The article fails to mention my partner of many years who was the key to its success, Nate Walker. He is a friend and a great chef; at the time of the interview it was very chaotic and not all that was said was printed. He help the restaurant be the success it is and deserves that recognition.
Jim Hoben
*hangs head low and weeps silently for El Pelon*
i'll miss umi, that place was part of our home
i'll miss Thorntons soo much, i really hope he rebuilds it, its been 5 years since i worked there for five years and since i left MA to move to stupid NY!! thorntons is the first place i go when i make it back to the city!! for all of you newbies i never got too meet and for all the others i worked there with that are still there, even the regulars!!!! i'll see you soon and gotta do whatever is possible to bring it back!!!! see you all in a couple weeks!! possibly sooner!!
What a loss!
I was only ... one punch away from my free burrito.
It was sad looking at the loss on the way home from work.
These restaurants truly made our neighborhood!
**tear, tear .... many more tears**
i lived right on the corner of peterborough and kilmarnock and i loved those places dearly. i'm on the west coast grieving. i really hope everyone recovers and rebuilds soon.
The BEST strip of restaurants around...and now its gone. REBUILD, REBUILD! NO CONDOS!!!!
Frankie, you can't leave, as your sushi is the BEST in town and a major staple my diet... And did I mention the burritos? I am in mourning!
Can I still pick up my dry cleaning?
So tragic. This hurts like losing a loved person or pet would. My husband lived on Peterborough from 2000 to 2004 (I met him in 2003) and he used Thornton's as his dining room. We ate there all the time; our 2004 Valentine's Day dinner was at Umi.
Before I met my husband, Restaurant Row was my go-to meal destination when going to see movies at Landmark Cinema.
My biggest regret is not going back there recently (and I was just thinking we needed to go back to El Pelon - Best Salsa EVER), and never having gone to Greek Isles; when my husband lived there, it was "Hong Kong Cafe"...with Thai and Japanese that seemed like Asian overload and I wish there had been a Greek place there when we were there.
I hope that the block is restored, rather than replaced.
This was really a tragedy, a big loss to the neighborhood, my home for six years now. Fenway just doesn't feel the same. My heart goes out to all the restaurant owners and the staff, our friends who we've come to know over the years.
This is sad, even though El Pelon was sort of nasty...I still loved the place! It's scary, more high rises might go in... :(
so frustrated... i almost went to El Pelon last night. i hope i get another chance! Please bring it back.
I just brought my brother back to school yesterday and I SKIPPED OUT ON GOING TO EL PELON. IT WAS MY LAST CHANCE.
I will never forgive myself.
So sad to hear...I live just around the corner....I will miss the GREEK ISLES so much! I hope the cute Greek Owner gets back in business soon because he is the BEST
hopefully they will rebuild i love thortons good friends of mine these guys work hard!
I heard that El Pelon will re-open. 2 fires in 2 years is bad karma, but some of the sox players chiped in last time, and said they would again. It is Timlin's and Pap's fav pregame meal
This is beyond tragic. I lived on the fenway from 2000 to 2004 Thorton's was my favorite place on Restaurant Row I remember Linwood BBQ too. Getting back to Thorton's I second the cheese fry comment there will NEVER EVER be cheese fries that good anywhere. And the Fenway Breezer among other drinks. Sunday brunch followed by the best ice cream sundaes. I've been back since 04, but not nearly enough.
Thorton's you will be missed. You were the location of my fondest memories during my four years on the Fenway. Especially cast parties after college theater productions and my 19th b-day with my aunt. You MUST rebuild.
My condolences go out to all of the business owners, employees, regulars, and neighbors past and present.
Slightly off-topic, but just to correct a lot of posters above, the two giant buildings on Boylston Street are both apartment buildings, not condos. And they are cheaper (for the most part) than your average rat-infested walk-up in Back Bay or Beacon Hill.
A part of me has died tonight, El Pelon was my graceland. May it be rebuilt, with the possibility of opening another one in NYC as well. Please lord, won't you bring me El Pelon.
please god..bring thortons and el pelon back! :(
I hope the owners choose to rebuild. Those restaurants were what made that area such a great neighborhood.
This is absolutely horrible news. El Pelon and The Greek Isles were my favorite places to grab a quick bite and really came in handy when there was nothing in my refrigerator. And Thornton's was by far the best place for brunch. It seems like the small business owner just can't catch a break these days. Those restaurants really did make up a huge part of the neighborhood, and I really hope they rebuild. They all are dearly missed! I'm just glad nobody was seriously injured!
El Pelon MUST rebuild (again). The fish burritos are amazing. Please, please rebuild.
I moved around the corner from this spot in Fenway only 6 months ago. I can not believe this fire and am just reading about this now. Can't believe I didn't hear a thing Monday night! I'm just in shock since this favorite little strip was one of the things that sold me on moving to the Fenway. I had fun times and good food at almost all the resaurants, and was eager to try them all at some point. Great sushi at Umi! I hope the family-owned restaurants rebuild and are able to make the place look even better with insurance money.