A fire broke out at a popular breakfast spot in North Olmsted on Friday morning, according to fire officials.
Smoked billowed out of the windows and doors of Canary's Family Restaurant, located at 23750 Lorain Road. The North Olmsted Fire Department arrived on scene at 5:18 a.m.
The owner of the restaurant came in early and turned the grill the on. He went to his office to work on papers and heard a popping noise. When he came out, he noticed a fire near the grill, leaving the building with the waitress.
News 5's overnight news tracker said at least 100 people were outside the restaurant, many crying.
Officers arrived first and tried to enter the burning restaurant from the back door but the fire was too big and racks were in the way. Nearly 40 percent of the roof collapsed, according to fire officials.
Firefighters on scene said the fire raced from the back of the restaurant and kitchen through the front door and eventually the roof.
The building is at a total loss, according to the North Olmsted Fire Department chief.
The restaurant was not open yet when the fire started, according to fire officials. Canary's has a second location on Puritas Avenue, according to the restaurant's website.
It's undetermined at this time what caused the fire.
