Shoto Japanese Steakhouse and Seafood, a 25-year Uptown Lexington staple, was gutted by an early Tuesday morning blaze that also destroyed the adjacent Candy Factory. The family that runs Shoto says they will rebuild and are already exploring a temporary pop-up to keep staff employed while insurance and repairs are sorted out. No injuries were reported, but roofs on both buildings collapsed and several neighboring storefronts took on heavy water and smoke damage.
Fire crews arrived within minutes
According to the City of Lexington, the Lexington Fire Department received a report around 1:12 a.m. Tuesday and crews arrived within four minutes to find Shoto, at 17 North Main Street, fully involved. The fire had already spread to The Candy Factory at 15 North Main Street, and officials say both roofs collapsed and both properties are considered total losses.
Owners vow to rebuild, eye a pop-up
The owners told Spectrum News they were in shock but committed to rebuilding, and are considering a pop-up in the meantime to keep employees working. Owner Stephanie Huynh said she was woken to the news and described feeling “shock and disbelief,” noting that the restaurant recently marked its 25th anniversary on North Main.
Neighbors dodged the worst but felt the loss
Nearby Main Street Pizza and Deli and Bagels and More On Main avoided direct fire damage but were hit with water and smoke. Masonry firewalls are credited with limiting the spread, according to WXII 12. Missions Pottery owner Joyce Davis told the station that “the fire was just raging,” and said the street looked like a river while crews worked to contain the blaze.
Investigation and scene security
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Lexington Fire Marshal's Office, and Police Chief Robby Rummage told DavidsonLocal that investigators do not currently suspect foul play. City departments including Water, Electric, Gas and Stormwater assisted at the scene, and North Main Street between Center Street and East First Street remains closed while crews complete suppression and recovery work, according to the City of Lexington.
How to help and what comes next
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Shoto staff and family, and organizers are coordinating relief, according to WXII 12. The owners said they will post updates to their social channels and to community supporters as they work through insurance and rebuilding plans.
