St. Cloud, MN – The Catfish Place, a neighborhood staple since 1973, is publicly thanking an unnamed good Samaritan who intervened early Friday morning to put out a trash‑can fire outside the restaurant. The quick action likely prevented extensive damage to the building and surrounding property.
What happened
According to server Erica Carter, the fire ignited shortly after midnight when a trash can near the restaurant’s entrance caught flame. Security‑camera footage showed a passerby pull the burning can away from the building and stomp out the remaining flames before walking away.
“It happened a little bit after midnight. There used to be a trash can here and literally it just went up in flames,” Carter said. “Then we just saw a good Samaritan that came by and put the fire out. He literally pulled the trash can out and pushed it into the parking lot. There was still fire here on the ground and so he literally stomped it out and he just walked away.”
Potential impact avoided
The fire broke out near a wooden fence and other combustible items, raising concerns that the blaze could have spread quickly. Carter estimated that within five minutes the situation could have become far worse, possibly forcing a temporary closure of the restaurant.
“I’m pretty certain that it wouldn’t have been more than maybe five minutes before it could have been pretty bad,” she added. A shutdown, even short‑term, would have hurt the Catfish Place’s regular customers and long‑time employees, as well as the local economy that benefits from the restaurant’s steady presence.
Restaurant’s response
The Catfish Place has posted a request on its Facebook page, hoping to identify the man who stepped in. The owners plan to offer a free meal as a token of gratitude.
“We’re wanting to offer him a free meal on us. Whoever he is, if he would like to come forward, we would like to thank him, because a lot of bad things could have happened,” Carter said.
If the good Samaritan contacts the restaurant, Carter said she would simply say, “Just thank you. You’re like the mystery man. We appreciate it very much, seriously, we really do. That could definitely have gone a lot of bad ways.”
Community reaction
Local residents have expressed admiration for the anonymous hero, noting that such acts of neighborly care embody the spirit of St. Cloud’s close‑knit community. The story has been shared widely on social media, with many encouraging the restaurant to keep the offer open and to celebrate the selfless deed.
While the identity of the good Samaritan remains unknown, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance and quick thinking in protecting local businesses. The Catfish Place hopes the gesture of a free meal will inspire others to look out for one another, reinforcing the values of faith, family, and liberty that define the community.
About The Catfish Place
Located on insert street name if known, The Catfish Place has been serving classic Southern‑style fare to St. Cloud residents for more than five decades. The restaurant is known for its friendly atmosphere, loyal clientele, and commitment to being a gathering spot for families and friends.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
