Strip mall fire in Bensalem destroys Andalusia Bar and Grill
A two-alarm fire at a strip mall in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, shut down a section of Bristol Pike early Thursday morning and destroyed a community staple.
Firefighters were called to the Andalusia Bar and Grill in the Grandview Plaza strip mall on Bristol Pike, a few blocks off Woodhaven Road, around 4 a.m. Thursday.
At one point, the fire spread to additional businesses, and several fire trucks and other emergency vehicles were stationed on Bristol Pike. The road was closed from Tennis Avenue to Woodhaven Road for several hours but reopened around 7:30 a.m.
#BREAKING #fire in Bensalem, Bucks Co. has closed Bristol Pike both NB & SB between Tennis Ave. & Woodhaven Rd. Officials say fire started at the Adalusia Bar & Grill and is spreading to nearby businesses. Alternates: State Rd., Baxter Ave., HighlandAve. #traffic @cbsphiladelphia pic.twitter.com/DIYSY3aSkr
— Kim Kelly Hudson (@kimhudsontv) October 10, 2024
Bensalem Township Fire Department Battalion Chief Robert Sponheimer said at the scene that fire crews arrived at the building and were forced out due to heavy fire.
A second alarm was issued, and other fire companies arrived to help. Sponheimer said the fire was under control in about an hour after crews first arrived.
No injuries were reported.
People who came to see the damage still can't believe what they saw was real.
"It was bad," Julia Malcolm, a manager at Juniata Insurance Agency, said. "It was bad."
Diana Mangoni says she is still in disbelief. She had her engagement party at Andalusia Bar and Grill two nights ago.
"It's surreal, and seeing it like this is devastating," Mangoni said.
Mangoni worked at the restaurant for over a year, and she said it was more than a typical restaurant.
"This place is a home. It's not a bar," Mangoni said. "Don't be fooled. This place is a home. Whoever comes in this door, they leave family."
The other businesses in the shopping center have some smoke and water damage. The second floor of the bar is partially collapsed.
The fire damaged Cecilia Pineda's business building. Pineda said she has four employees she has to take care of.
"It's kind of just sinking in currently," Pineda said.
Pineda and other business owners are now concerned about what will happen next as the fire department continues to investigate the cause of the fire.
"It's horrible," Mangoni said. "People are losing their businesses, especially in today's climate. It's tough."
All of the businesses in the strip mall are closed without power. The hope is that the power will return on Friday and the businesses with minor damage can reopen.