Early Monday morning, a fire broke out in the rear of Beanie’s Bar & Grill, a well‑known restaurant on Route 129 in Loudon, New Hampshire. The blaze was reported around 3 a.m. by a police officer on duty, and Loudon Fire Chief Tom Blanchette confirmed that both Loudon and Concord fire crews arrived within minutes.
Fire response and damage
Firefighters first secured utilities and ensured the building was empty before beginning fire‑attack operations. According to Chief Blanchette, the heavy flames were knocked down in roughly 30‑40 minutes, and the fire was fully under control about 90 minutes after the initial call.
While no civilians were injured—the last employee left the premises at 12:45 a.m.—one firefighter sustained minor injuries that did not require transport or medical treatment.
Chief Blanchette estimated that about half of the structure was consumed by the fire. The portion that housed Beanie’s Bar & Grill is considered a total loss. However, a fire wall protected the front of the building, limiting damage there to minor smoke exposure. That front area previously served as a dance studio and is currently vacant.
Investigation and community response
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Meanwhile, the owners of Beanie’s posted a message on Facebook expressing gratitude that everyone is safe and thanking the community for its outpouring of support.
“First and foremost, we want everyone to know that no one was hurt and everyone is safe. We are incredibly grateful for that above all else,” the owners wrote. They described the loss as “unimaginable” but affirmed their intention to rebuild.
“This is not the end of Beanie’s, and we look forward to the day we can open our doors and welcome all of you back again,” the owners added, asking for patience as they plan the next steps.
Looking ahead
Local residents and patrons have expressed optimism that the beloved restaurant will return to the community. The owners have not yet disclosed a timeline for reconstruction, but they emphasized that rebuilding will begin as soon as possible.
Beanie’s Bar & Grill has been a staple for travelers and locals alike, offering a familiar gathering place along a busy state route. Its loss is felt not only by employees but also by the broader Loudon community, which looks forward to seeing the establishment rise from the ashes.
As the investigation continues, authorities will release further details about the fire’s cause. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting the owners, the firefighters who contained the blaze, and the community members who stand ready to help the restaurant rebuild.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.