Facebook/Chris Madrid's
At 8:30 p.m., Richard Peacock, the new owner of Chris Madrid's issued a statement of thanks in regards to Sunday morning's fire. After addressing SAFD, SAPD and his staff, Peacock's note says the beloved 40-year-old burger restaurant may not reopen for a few weeks.
Here's Peacock's note in full:
Dear Chris Madrid's Community -
As many of you know, a fire broke out today at the restaurant in the area of the building farthest away from the kitchen. While this obviously came as a shock on this beautiful Sunday, we are already counting our many blessings.
First and foremost, we're grateful that no one was hurt.
In addition, the fire, smoke and water damage was largely contained to the back area of the cantina. This simply would not have been possible without the thoughtful, intentional and kind efforts of "our" firefighters from the San Antonio Fire Department. We can't thank all of these public servants enough, especially SAFD Chief Charles Hood and those from Stations #4,#6,#10,#11, #19 and #28. (A funny side note: one of them told me that many of them are regular customers, and that they'd all decided that they weren't going to be the ones who got blamed for letting a San Antonio icon burn down).
I also wanted to give a shout out to the San Antonio Police Department for their efficient and helpful management of area pedestrian and auto traffic.
Further, our sweet neighbors came out in droves to pray for those involved, give hugs, and generally encourage us.
And, I must mention and thank our committed and wonderful staff, led by: Diana, GM; Debbie and Pedro, Asst. GMs; File, Head of Kitchen; and Oscar, Director of Operations. They rushed to the restaurant immediately, without being asked, and pitched in for hours to help in many ways large and small.
I told them that their jobs, and their wages, are secure while we work to reopen.
As for a timeline regarding that re-opening, we're not exactly sure of it yet given that this event just happened a few hours ago. However, we are already at work drafting a "Chris Madrid's Restoration Plan" - our best guess at this point is that will most likely require having to be closed for at least a few weeks.
Finally, on behalf of all of us, thanks to all of you who've reached out with your hugs, texts, emails, posts, offers of help, and prayers. We are thankful for each of you, and can't wait to welcome you back home to Chris Madrid's soon.
Gratefully,
Richard Peacock & our staff
