Pete's of Lafayette, a locally owned restaurant, reopens after closing because of fire

Pete's of Lafayette, a locally owned, family-friendly restaurant, officially re-opened after shutting down for more than five months due to fire damage.

The restaurant has added fresh new menu items to compliment the iconic items from the past, according to a Facebook post. It now features big-screen TVs in the dining area. Cold draft beer is available, along with an all-star lineup of hand crafted cocktails, and new game experience for kids of all ages, the post said.

"We want to thank everyone for their continued support," another Facebook post said. "We love reading all the messages of excitement around our reopening. Everyone involved in getting us back open is working overtime to make that happen."

Lafayette firefighters responded a report of a fire at Pete’s on Johnston Street in August 2023. Multiple callers passing by reported heavy smoke coming from the building. Firefighters confirmed the building was on fire and spreading to the roof. Crews worked for 20 minutes to extinguish the fire.

Portions of the building sustained heavy fire damage. The seating area sustained heavy smoke damage. The business was occupied at the time, but all employees exited without any injuries, according to Lafayette Fire Department.

Investigators determined the fire originated in a fenced area attached to the building. The heavy black smoke largely was due to an automated grease maintenance machine with two large grease containers for the kitchen fryers, a news release said.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 3903 Johnston St.

"Thank you so much for your patience during this process," Pete's ownership said on Facebook. "We look forward to welcoming you all back."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Pete's of Lafayette reopens after being closed for eight months