Suspicious fire in Calgary’s Beltline shuts down popular restaurant during holiday season

An early morning electrical fire in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood on Wednesday left one popular restaurant uncertain about its future during the busy holiday season.

Alex Kwan with the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) confirmed crews were called to 10 Avenue and 2 Street SW around 5 a.m. for reports of a structure fire. The area is home to several popular bars and restaurants, including Salt & Brick.

On arrival, fire crews found flames and smoke pouring from the back-alley entrance of the restaurant. Hose lines were quickly deployed, and crews knocked down the fire from the alley.

No occupants were inside at the time. Mechanical fans were used to clear smoke from neighbouring businesses.

Dallas Tambo, managing partner of Salt & Brick, described the chaotic start to his day.

“5 a.m. alarms, pictures from the cleaners, video footage showing a little bit of fire underground under our sub floor in the restaurant,” he said. “Then I rushed down here and met up with all the fire trucks and everybody was here.”

Tambo called the fire a “gut punch,” but expressed gratitude that no one was injured.

“It looks like we’re not having the restaurant for Christmas so far,” Tambo admitted. “Hopefully we can get it back in order sooner though.”

Officials say the fire is considered suspicious and the Calgary police arson unit is leading the investigation.

With holiday parties already booked, Salt & Brick reached out to neighbouring restaurant Hudsons for help. Hudsons’ manager, Mangawang, said they were eager to step in.

“It’s holiday season, there’s Christmas parties on Christmas parties and people just…they need to eat and have a good time. I’m like OK, let’s get this done, let’s get some people in and that’s exactly what we did.”

“It’s not about the business as it is about the culture and the community we keep,” Tambo added.

The building sits next to an active construction site that was not affected. Workers resumed operations with minimal disruption.

Roads in the area were closed for several hours to allow for investigation and cleanup, but have since reopened.

Anyone with information is being asked to call police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to CrimeStoppers.