NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) -- Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a fire that broke out at a Newport News Red Robin on Sunday afternoon.
The fire, however, did not happen inside the restaurant. Video taken by Payton McClain shows one of the front entrance's building columns had caught fire, indicating it may have been electrical in nature.
Police dispatch said the fire happened shortly after 2 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Mall location. McClain tells 13News Now that he was waiting to be seated when he smelled smoke. Staff then safely evacuated the building and waited outside for the fire department to arrive.
McClain said the fire wasn't visible until firefighters opened up the pillar, revealing flames inside.
“I heard them say we should probably evacuate and then I heard somebody yell, ‘can I have your attention,” said McClain.
McClain evacuated the building with his family and other patrons, and that’s when he started filming the fire.
“Social media, smartphones- like everything is documented and I figured if there was anybody that was hurt based on it, then I would have some proof to give to whoever needed it,” said McClain.
The flames ruined lunch, but not the day, as Red Robin employees tried to make it up to Natalie.
“We had said that we were getting ready to leave and they were very apologetic for us not getting to eat there, so they figured it was the least they could do,” said McClain.
That’s when they started singing Happy Birthday to Natalie.
Red Robin employees say fire officials told them that a cigarette butt is what cause the fire, and the restaurant was open again by 4:30.
The fire was out within minutes and the all-clear given. A Red Robin employee said they expected to reopen the restaurant by 4:30 p.m.
Newport News Fire said no injuries are reported.