Chick Inn Destroyed By Fire

By Shannon Davidson

(LOUISVILLE, December 17th, 2002, 3 p.m.) -- Folks who frequent a small, but popular Jefferson County eatery are still in disbelief after a fire destroyed everything. The Chick Inn on River Road went up in flames Monday night. Longtime customers say there's no other place like it. Shannon Davidson reports.

The fire broke out about 10:30. When firefighters arrived, smoke and flames were already shooting through the roof. Firefighters say the flames became so intense at one point that crews were evacuated briefly when the roof became dangerously unstable.

Investigators first believed the fire started in the kitchen, but now say it was caused by an electrical problem.

No one was injured in the blaze, but nearby residents say they can't remember a time without the Chick Inn, which has been a mainstay on River Road for years.

"First, you walk in, and you smell the food," says Chick Inn regular Damien Prather.

Hostess Heather Allie says the food is top notch. "We always say it takes at least a half an hour for chicken, and people don't care, they'll wait."

Known for its "Chick's Chips" and Broasted Chicken, Chick Inn regulars like Gary Sans are feeling the great loss of "An atmosphere like nowhere else around the area."

The restaurant is considered a total loss after a fire gutted it Monday...ironically, the only day The Inn is closed.

The charred remains of what used to be stings the regular customers as they stopped by for one final look. And although the structure has been destroyed, its memory lives on in the minds of customers who can recall every last detail.

"The kitchen was real small, you walk in, and you had a nice little bar, kind of L-shaped bar, it was just a real family place," says Prather.

Established in the 1930s, The Chick Inn is filled with years of history, autographs, and photographs. Employees say it was the place to go, where everybody knew your name.

"Yeah, we've got a lot of Norm's, actually," says Allie, referring to a character on "Cheers."

"There's Bill, and there's ... oh Sam, he sits at the end of the bar and pours our draft beer for us."

Allie has called The Inn home for five years now, but she says finding another job isn't what concerns her. "I'm worried -- the employees with the small children, someone just gave birth to twins this year," she says, pointing out that it's tough to lose your job with it "being so close to Christmas."

The same firefighters who worked to fight the blaze have a connection to The Inn, and are reaching out to help employees.

Harrod's Creek Fire Department Chief Chris Aponte says his unit plans to help employees of the burned out Inn. "We're going to get some money together for toys for the kids of the people who work there," he says, "and that way, that's one less worry they have to have during this time of year."

The Harrod's Creek Fire Department says community members have also stepped forward and offered to help buy presents for Chick Inn employees and their children.

Online Reporter: Shannon Davidson

Online Producer: Michael Dever