Just days after a ribbon-cutting celebration and a little more than two months after opening, Latitude 43 is closed following an early-morning fire Oct. 11.
The cause and origin of the fire, which was reported at 2:47 a.m. Sunday, remain under investigation, according to the Canandaigua Fire Department.
Canandaigua firefighters responded to the four-story building at the corner of Beeman and South Main streets and found heavy smoke inside. No injuries were reported, but the severity of the fire prompted several nearby fire departments to provide mutual aid.
Several residents evacuated the building’s apartments because of the fire, firefighters said.
In a social media post Sunday, the restaurant team called the fire “unimaginable” and announced that
Latitude 43 would be closed indefinitely. The restaurant and pub, which reopened under owner Julie Bagley in August in the former Nick’s Chophouse space, occupies the building’s ground floor and also offered rooftop service.
The restaurant and second-floor apartments sustained extensive damage, according to the Canandaigua Fire Department.
“Most importantly, we are incredibly thankful that everyone made it out safely. At the end of the day, no building or business is more important than the lives of those inside,” the Latitude 43 post read.
“To say we are heartbroken would be an understatement,” the post continued. “So much time, hard work, and love went into bringing Latitude 43 to life, and to see it all change in a matter of hours is something we are still trying to process.”
Firefighters from Veterans Affairs, Bristol, Cheshire, Crystal Beach, Farmington, Hopewell, Manchester and Victor provided mutual aid. Numerous other agencies and organizations also assisted at the scene.
In its statement, the Canandaigua Fire Department thanked everyone who responded.
“Fire crews did an outstanding job managing this complex incident, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, teamwork and dedication throughout the response,” the department posted. “Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in mitigating the incident and protecting the community.”
The owner was not immediately available for comment. In its post, the restaurant thanked its “incredible” staff, customers, friends and community for “being part of what we've built” and for their support during what it described as an “incredibly difficult time.”
“We don't have all the answers right now, but we will share updates as we learn more,” the post read.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua restaurant Latitude 43 closed after fire
