From the NewsForce247 Archive — originally published July 31, 2024. Stories move to the archive automatically after four weeks; they remain searchable and shareable.
A massive overnight fire destroyed 101 Smokehouse, a popular barbecue restaurant in downtown Kenton, Ohio. The blaze broke out around 2 a.m. Wednesday morning at the restaurant’s location at 120 South Main Street, and burned for more than two hours before being extinguished by the Kenton Fire Department.
101 Smokehouse had been a fixture of downtown Kenton for many years and was known for its hickory-smoked meats and homestyle sides.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though initial reports indicate it may have started in the restaurant’s kitchen. The fire quickly spread through the building, engulfing the entire structure. Photos from the scene show the building as a total loss, with extensive damage throughout.
101 Smokehouse had employed many staff, who are now without work. The restaurant’s owners say they plan to rebuild, though the process could take over a year. In the meantime, the community has rallied around the restaurant, with an outpouring of support on social media.