Arson Suspected In Fire At Pony Bar, Popular Upper East Side Craft Beer Venue
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A popular craft beer bar on the Upper East Side remained shuttered this week, after being severely damaged in a fire that officials and owners believe was intentionally set.
The Pony Bar, at 1444 First Ave. at 75th Street, was closed for the night at 5:17 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, when the fire broke out and fire officials were called to the scene, police sources said.
A total of 60 firefighters responded, and the fire was under control by 5:56 a.m., police sources said.
Owner Dan McLaughlin said the fire was believed to be a case of arson, and the bar was also burglarized before the fire was set.
The fire caused extensive damage and destroyed the bar area, McLaughlin told CBS2's Tracee Carrasco.
McLaughlin declined further comment, citing an ongoing investigation. Police sources said the case was being investigated by fire marshals.
The Pony Bar released a tweet to its customers in days following the fire.
McLaughlin told CBSNewYork.com that he and his staff hope to reopen the bar by Labor Day, if not sooner.
The Upper East Side Pony Bar opened in 2012. The Pony Bar also operates a location at 637 Tenth Ave. in Hell's Kitchen, which has been in business since 2009.
CBS New York Web Producer Adam Harrington contributed to this report.
