Bayou Bills Fire

Thanks SJ. I will call him.

The Panama City TV news station reported on it this evening, stating that it appears to have been started at or in the HVAC unit. It is under further investigation as of the report. Patrick was interviewed, but didn't have much to say in the report, other than they will try to reopen it sometime next year. I didn't eat there much, but when I did, it was usually enjoyable. It's sad to see a place which had so much effort and energy put into it, burn to the ground, and be no more, overnight.

Bobby J, is anyone planning to take up a collection for the Bayou Bill employees who are now without jobs? If not, could you get in touch with Patrick and see if an account could be established at a local bank or something of the like?

I've never been to Bayou Bill's (though ironically it was recommended to me last night) but would definitely do my best to down some seafood and beverages at a fundraiser!

According to my source, they are looking at re-opening the day after Christmas. OK, no secret source, it is what a sign out front says

According to my source, they are looking at re-opening the day after Christmas. OK, no secret source, it is what a sign out front says

They had just closed for a planned three weeks off; is the sign pre-fire?

Otherwise, from the looks of the building (yes, drove by last night to wallow in personal misery), that seems a bit ambitious.

Keeping the staff in my prayers as they try to relocate, during our "slow" season and just before Christmas.

I spoke with Steve from Publix at Watercolor today, he said that he could possibly use a few new employees, but he said things are slow there as well. (Don't cha just LOVE publix!!??) Patrick ~my brothah from anotha mothah~ said that he was going to let some of his guys know to apply there ASAP. He is feeling a bit better today, he said there is no time for self-pitty. Please keep him, his family and staff in your prayers.

Everyone whom I've ever heard talk about Steve is usually giving him high praise. I think Publix is proud to have Steve as their manager.

I think some of the new stores in Grand Boulevard are also hiring.

D&K is always looking for help!

I think a fund raiser is a great idea and what about the employees kids!! We could collect money/toys for them as well. I always enjoyed BB crab legs, not too many places that offer steamed seafood..prayers go out for the family and employees. Another idea would be to start a post, NOW HIRING.?? in the employment thread. Very sad situation.

My source went silent. The sign that said 'reopening 12/26' is down. Guess it was put up before the fire.

Prayers and {{{hugs}}} to everyone directly affected by this.

Someone please find out if there are any kids that need Christmas gifts....or anything else.....

OMG! This is the first I've heard of this! I've lived here 23 years and have never eaten there. Have always wanted to, have always heard great things about it, but kept saying maybe next time....usually it is too crowded to get in the parking lot. I've never even been in the building!
In fact Sterling Rose and I pulled out of the parking lot there and ended up going into Destin - I don't remember if BB's was too packed or not open yet. Another one gone.

There is all kinds of hiring going on at Pier Park. And by Spring they will be looking for hundreds of employees.

There is always a shortage of (quality) help in Destin if they can take the traffic.

What a shame. Any updates?

dka

OMG! This is the first I've heard of this! I've lived here 23 years and have never eaten there. Have always wanted to, have always heard great things about it, but kept saying maybe next time....usually it is too crowded to get in the parking lot. I've never even been in the building!
In fact Sterling Rose and I pulled out of the parking lot there and ended up going into Destin - I don't remember if BB's was too packed or not open yet. Another one gone.

There is all kinds of hiring going on at Pier Park. And by Spring they will be looking for hundreds of employees.

There is always a shortage of (quality) help in Destin if they can take the traffic.

What a shame. Any updates?

dka

They still have the location on the west end of PCB which was always my choice as it is much larger.

Bayou Bill's Fire-again

I passed by around 1am New Year's Day, somebody had torched the dumpster...a firetruck and a bunch of cops were there.

Re: Bayou Bill's Fire-again

WOW! Don't know what to think about this.

Re: Bayou Bill's Fire-again

Sounds like some people looking for entertainment on a drinking holiday.

Re: Bayou Bill's Fire-again

Don't you know that Drinking Nights should be left to the amatuers? Stay in your houses until the storm passes- or at least until all the amatuers have either slept it off at Walton County Jail or somehow managed to sneak through the road blocks!

Re: Bayou Bill's Fire-again

Maybe they were trying to get the smell out of the dumpster.

Re: Bayou Bill's Fire-again

Umm No I think DKA was already at home

I'm going to have to have a word with MrsBH25 about limiting your time on the computer without adult supervision.

The closest I've come to fire, was the brunch at Fire, and I ain't been back to sowal since.

It is a shame though, as if there hasn't been enuff problems at that location. I wish people would leave well enuff alone.

Re: Bayou Bill's Fire-again

:shock: ...I am not sure what to make of that!

Re: Bayou Bill's Fire-again

March 11, 2008
Bayou Bill's to rebuild - Larger restaurant a possibility
By ANDY MEINEN

Bayou Bill's will be back.

Patrick Mathews, the son-in-law of the owner, said the popular South Walton seafood restaurant will be rebuilt. But first, the old building at 4748 U.S. Highway 98 that was gutted by a fire Nov. 28 must be torn down and the insurance company has to cough up payment.

The fire severely damaged the restaurant. Firefighters said flames were pouring out the side and back windows and through a hole in the roof when they arrived.

Investigator Tommy Barron with the state Fire Marshal's Office said the blaze has been ruled accidental. Barron said he can't pinpoint a location or cause of the fire because of the extensive damage, but he was leaning toward an electrical short in a lighting fixture.

Mathews said he has hired an attorney because the insurance company had been dragging its feet and has denied his claim. Mathews declined to say how much he is trying to recoup.

"We paid our premiums," he said. "They cashed our checks every year."

When the insurance money comes through, Mathews will be ready to start construction. He said he is finalizing architectural plans, and when the building comes down a contractor will prepare the site for construction.

Mathews said he's hoping to be open by February 2009.

Lou Jordan, a manager at Bayou Bill's Panama City Beach location, said the new Santa Rosa Beach restaurant will be bigger and better. Plans call for the bar to be in the middle of the restaurant with the seating surrounding it. Jordan said that about 50 to 100 more seats will be added. The old building had seating for about 200 people, he said.

Mathews said the menu will stay the same, but there will be one change: Bayou Bill's will be open for lunch.

The Panama City Beach location is now open for lunch in part to keep the Santa Rosa Beach restaurant's employees working until the new restaurant opens.

Mathews said that even though the Panama City Beach location is about 20 miles away, customers have been loyal.

"About 20 percent of our business are customers from Santa Rosa Beach," he said.