Ashland restaurant, open third day, loses kitchen to fire

ASHLAND – On the third day of its soft opening, the new Fat Bellies Restaurant was receiving positive reviews before receiving a major setback.

The restaurant opened in the former Whistlers Bistro at 1314 Centre Street on Sunday and was open Monday and Tuesday as part of a soft opening.

Around 8pm Tuesday, firefighters were called to the restaurant for a reported structure fire, and crews arrived to find fire in the kitchen.

Ashland firefighters made quick work of the fire, containing it to the kitchen.

In a Facebook post Tuesday night, the restaurant said, “We’re ok, but the kitchen has been destroyed.”

Earlier in the day, they had shared news that they received approval for a liquor license and were seeking a bartender.

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