Nov. 08--Fire damaged the well-known House of Pies restaurant on Upper Kirby, but the manager expects business to reopen before the holidays.
"We'll definitely be open before Thanksgiving," manager Greg Smith said Thursday, the day after the fire. "Houston doesn't have to worry about getting pies."
No injuries were reported.
Between 70 and 80 customers were in the restaurant at 3112 Kirby when the fire broke out about 10:40 p.m. Wednesday, Smith and Houston Fire Department officials said. It was brought under control by 11:10 p.m., officials said.
Customers calm
Officials said the flames heavily damaged the roof and outer portions of the popular 24-hour eatery, which has been at the location since 1967. Smith said the customers and staff smelled smoke in the dining area, and then a patron rushed in from outside saying smoke was coming from the roof at the front of the building.
Smith said everyone calmly left the building and there was no panic. Fire officials said the blaze appeared to be an accidental electrical fire, though the exact cause is being investigated, Smith said.
He said the restaurant will be repaired and reopened as soon as possible.
Several customers who had not heard about the blaze showed up for breakfast Thursday. When they saw the damage, they told Smith they were saddened.
Offer of help
Barbara Rogers said she is a regular patron who stops by the restaurant four or five times a week and sometimes twice in one day. She said her husband told her about the fire Thursday morning and she rushed to the eatery to see the damage and to offer to help clean up. The restaurant, she said, is a favorite.
"We just love it," Rogers said. "The food is good. It's just like family."
Chronicle photographer Johnny Hanson contributed to this report
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