Pocono News Section

Fire Destroys Popular Restaurant

Fire Destroys Popular Restaurant - Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 6:20PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Saturday, Nov 15, 2008 @ 06:20pm EST
BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Flames ripped through The Red Barn restaurant and bar around 3:30am Saturday, leaving only a few walls standing and charred furniture inside.

A number of people passing by couldn't believe it was gone, including Patty Phillips of Hanover Township, who started coming here as a little girl.

"My father used to load us all up in the station wagon, and it was like a big adventure," said Phillips. "We'd spend the day and have burgers, fries, and soda. It was wonderful.

"This is definitely a landmark building for this area," said Gary Zingaretti, a customer and Bear Creek Township supervisor. "It was a gathering place for most people in this part of the township, and it will be sorely missed."

One local man was at the scene of the fire today. He remembers being at "he Red Barn the night it opened, back in 1949.

"They had a beer garden and a grocery store," said Steve Bowankl. "They sold cold cuts and stuff. That was the first night it opened."

He says he's seen many changes to the building, but not the friendly atmosphere.

"I'll tell you everyone is sad, I'm sure of that," said Bowankl. "Everyone got together here, a lot of friends and families."

The owners of The Red Barn, George Pearage and his daughters, told us they have fire insurance. But, it's too early to decide whether or not to rebuild.

A state police fire marshal was called in to investigate.