Early morning fire in restoration area

The St. Augustine Fire Department responded to a report from police at the scene of a commercial structure fire that occurred in the Colonial Spanish Quarter at about 2:00 a.m. this morning according to a report received by Historic City News.

The fire marshal is still investigating what appears to have been an electrical fire at 81 St. George Street — largely confined to the dining room of the Florida Cracker Cafe, LLC.

Early estimates of damage range between $50,000 and $70,000. No other buildings were damaged during the fire according to firefighters at the scene.

The property is owned by the City of St. Augustine, the building is owned by Mayor Joe Boles and former Mayor Len Weeks.

In May, the Florida Cracker Cafe celebrated its 20th anniversary. Since May 2006, the restaurant has been operated by Travis G. Grafft of St. Augustine Beach; and his parents Jarrell D. and Susan P. Grafft.

Grafft told reporters that he’s still assessing all the damage but it will be a couple of weeks before the business is able to re-open.