Louie's Hot Dogs fire shocks residents

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Louie's Hot Dogs on Elmwood Avenue and Bryant caught fire overnight leaving many neighbors, dedicated customers, and proud hotdog fans shocked.

The favorite hotdog place everyone knows and loves for their late night bite has been family operated since 1951.

Now, it will have to be rebuilt after flames burst within the building around midnight while Louie's was still open.

After an initial investigation, fire officials believe the fire started in the chimney where there was grease inside. They say the flames were shooting as high as six feet into the air.

Buffalo Fire Chief Don McFeeley says someone called right away and firefighters responded quickly before flames could have spread to neighboring apartments and businesses.

Chief McFeeley said, "Luckily there was an apartment and office above that wasn't occupied at the time."

The office above Louie's belonged to building owner Mark Gademsky who has been residing in the building since 1981.

There was about $200,000 worth of damages done to the building. Gademsky says they have insurance and there's word the owner will try to rebuild.
 
Gademsky says he feels bad about what happened. "Hey we all love to eat at Louie's, he's got the best hamburgers in town and he's renowned for his hot dogs so yeah were going to miss snacking here all the time."

The fire is also causing problems for a business nearby, Flowers for Chuck, after it turned off its power.

Owner Chuck Schruefer says if the electricity is not back on soon, the consequences could be devastating which could mean losing all of the flowers he has in the building now.

He says he probably has around $2,900 worth of flowers currently in his shop.

The fire could not have come at a worse time for the store as Valentine's Day is right around the corner.

The owner says he's going to work hard to prepare for the holiday, fortunately his roses are currently at the wholesale house.