Elite Cafe's Classic Neon Sign Catches Fire

Elite Cafe's Classic Neon Sign Catches FirePhoto: Sara Urbonas/Twitter
Meaghan M. Mitchell
Published on February 24, 2017

At approximately 10:04am today, Elite Cafe's vintage neon signage went up in flames.

SFFD spokesperson Officer Jonathan Baxter has confirmed that firefighters extinguished the small, accidental fire outside the restaurant and bar quickly, and no injuries were reported.

On Twitter, one witness called seeing the fire a "surreal experience."

Another neighbor at the scene, who asked to remain anonymous, told Hoodline that the fire was electrical and began while the sign was undergoing maintenance.

"We're very fortunate that the fire department responded so quickly," she said. "I don't think it will affect Elite Cafe's business. They should still be open tonight."

Elite Cafe has served the Fillmore for more than 35 years. Sidecar Hospitality (the team behind SoMa's Press Club and Lower Nob Hill's Pacific Cocktail Haven) purchased the restaurant and bar last winter and reopened in the fall with a revamped menu—keeping with the original New Orleans flair.

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