Fire destroys Gilbert's Lodge in St. Clair Shores

Fire chief says blaze started in kitchen, restaurant was empty at time of fire

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – A popular restaurant in St. Clair Shores has been destroyed by a fire.

Gilbert's Lodge on Harper Avenue near 9 Mile Road went up in flames about 4 a.m. Thursday.

Firefighters from St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, Roseville and Warren were all called in to help extinguish the fire.

"There's extensive damage. There's going to be a lot of clean up required," said St. Clair Shores Fire Chief George Morehouse.

He said the fire started in the kitchen.

There is extensive damage inside the restaurant. For employees, losing Gilbert's is like losing a second home.

"It's upsetting. I mean, there is a lot of regulars that called us, people that came up here. It's a little devastating. It's sad," said waitress Lisa Smart.