Residents hoping popular restaurant can make comeback after fire

MAPLEWOOD, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Lanie Schenkelberg has been do Asador Del Sur on Manchester a number of times and said it has found a home in Manchester.

“It’s a pretty beloved place,” she said. “It’s locally owned, family owned great South American food.”

However now, the restaurant is covered by caution tape and barriers after a fire ripped through the building Saturday night.

Several crews responded to the restaurant around 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Maplewood Fire Department said on social media the first crews on scene found heavy smoke and fire in the building upgrading it to a second alarm because of how close the restaurant is to other businesses.

According to Fire Chief Pete Marsac, while getting the fire under control and searching, part of the second floor collapsed through the first floor, forcing all firefighters to evacuate the building.

Firefighters said they believe the fire started in the kitchen area.

“I said a few prayers as I walked out the door,” said Barb Kloeckener, who has lived in Maplewood for over 50 years. “Nothing like this has happened here in a long time.”

While the restaurant remains boarded up and closed, those nearby hope it will soon be back serving the South American food they love.

“Everybody works so hard and they contribute to the neighborhood,” Kloeckener said. “They are all involved in anything that Maplewood does.”

“It would be wonderful if they can rebuild and then start back up,” Schenkelberg said. “They’ve been a wonderful addition to the community over the last few years, and we want to see them stay.”

Maplewood Fire said no firefighters or civilians were hurt during the fire.