According to a recent Instagram post, Original Joe’s has temporarily shuttered its location in Walnut Creek following a fire that began in the kitchen.
On August 19, the restaurant posted to its account, “Due to a minor kitchen fire, Original Joe’s in Walnut Creek is temporarily closed.”
“Thankfully, everyone is safe with no injuries. We are grateful to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District for their quick response and containment. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” the statement continues.
“We look forward to reopening as quickly as possible and will share updates as they become available,” it concludes.
The closure follows the restaurant’s very opening, which took place on August 15, that had locals lining up outside for a table — an enthusiasm stemming from the concept’s longtime presence in the Bay Area.
For readers who are unfamiliar with the history of the local dining concept, Original Joe’s was founded in 1937 by Croatian immigrant Tony Rodin, “as a 14-stool counter on a sawdust-covered floor at 144 Taylor Street in San Francisco’s Tenderloin,” per its website.
In 1983, Tony’s daughter and son-in-law, Marie and John Duggan, took the helm and became the restaurant’s operators. The business’s current owners, John and Elena Duggan, are their children, and, in addition to the soon-to-reopen spot in Walnut Creek, Original Joe’s has debuted outposts in North Beach and Westlake.
Known for coupling hearty portions with affordable prices, the restaurant offers a selection of classic Italian-American fare, including items such as hamburgers, steaks, seafood, and pastas.
A reopening date has not been announced yet. Follow What Now San Francisco on Facebook for updates.
