Fire breaks out at Jordan Lobster Farms in Island Park
A fire spread throughout Jordan Lobster Farms, a well-known seafood business in Island Park, officials say.
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A three-alarm fire broke out Saturday evening at the well-known Jordan Lobster Farms restaurant in Island Park, drawing a massive emergency response and forcing diners to evacuate during the height of the dinner rush.
Fire officials said crews were called to the scene around 6:48 p.m., where flames and heavy smoke quickly engulfed parts of the longtime seafood establishment, which has been a staple in the community for more than 50 years.
About 150 firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control in just over an hour. Despite the intensity of the fire, officials said there was only minimal structural damage and no injuries were reported.
Employees and customers were safely evacuated as crews moved in.
"We knew something was wrong immediately because the smoke wasn't going away," said one employee, who has worked at the restaurant for nearly two decades. "It's very sad."
Owner Steve Jordan described the moment as heartbreaking but remained hopeful about the restaurant's future.
"It looks worse than it is," he said, adding that damage appears to be largely confined to an upstairs office area. "We're hoping to reopen as soon as possible."
Island Park Fire Chief Donny Cardineau said the response went smoothly.
"Everybody who was here eating moved out of the way, and we got in to do what we had to do," he said.
Workers say the restaurant is more than just a business — it's a community fixture.
"It's a great establishment, a great place with beautiful people," said head bartender Cole Porter. "It's a lovely community."
Another employee expressed hope that the community will rally behind the business as it recovers.
"I just hope the community comes around and we can get this place back in action," she said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
