By MARIA KACIK | Staff Writer

BRUNSWICK — Gina Catalano-Kokkas said the dining room of The Grille at 1813 Pearl Road was nearly full early Friday evening with an after-work crowd when black smoke began to billow from the restaurant’s ceilings.

“Within five minutes, we had everybody evacuated from the building,” said Catalano-Kokkas, who has owned the restaurant with her husband, Artie Kokkas, since June 2007. Gina and Artie, along with the 30 to 40 patrons, watched from the parking lot Friday as a fire consumed much of the restaurant’s dining room.

City Fire Chief James Baird reported his department received the fire call at 6:01 p.m. Units from Brunswick, Brunswick Hills Township, Medina Township, Valley City and Strongsville fire departments responded, and Brunswick police controlled traffic on Pearl Road, which was closed between Laurel and Sleepy Hollow Roads for about two hours Friday.

Baird said the fire was under control at 6:31 p.m.

The Grille, 1813 Pearl Road, Brunswick, is closed Monday following a fire Friday night that destroyed the dining room and bar. Gina Catalano-Kokkas, who owns The Grille with her husband, Artie Kokkas, said they hope to reopen the restaurant in a month or two. (Andrew Dolph | Staff Photographer)

No patrons or employees of the restaurant were injured, but Baird said one Brunswick firefighter was transported to Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights for muscle strains and later released.

The fire was electrical in origin and most likely began in the restaurant’s ceiling, Baird said. It caused about $100,000 worth of damage.

Catalano-Kokkas said a fire wall kept the flames from reaching the restaurant’s kitchen, but the dining room and bar were ruined.

“Everything inside is destroyed,” she said. She said the restaurant will need a new roof, electrical wiring, bar and furniture in order to reopen.

The Kokkases also are forced out of their home for the next few weeks because it is attached to the restaurant. They won’t be able to return for at least the next month while repairs are made.

“We don’t have any income for the time being,” Catalano-Kokkas said. She explained she and her husband do not have the insurance that would have supplied them with incomes while the restaurant is closed.

“We’re probably going to be looking for local businesses to help donate time or products to help get the place running again,” she said. “That would be a huge help.”

She said she hopes to have the restaurant opened in one to two months.

In the meantime, Catalano-Kokkas said she’s found support in her customers.

“I’ve received over 200 phone calls and text messages. We’ve got really loyal customers who’ve come out and offered their help,” she said. “We thank them for everything. We’re going to have a re-grand opening when this is all over so people can celebrate having their neighborhood bar again.”

Kacik may be reached at 330-721-4049 or mkacik@ohio.net.