LUDLOW, Ky. — A popular restaurant in Ludlow will be closed for some time after a fire damaged it late Sunday night, according to fire officials.
The restaurant, 1975, is a popular spot for high school students following Friday night football games at Ludlow High School's nearby field.
"I tried to go in pretty quickly but they wouldn't let me in, obviously they were still taking care of the scene or whatever, and I went in there and first thing I grab was my (game-winning) football the coach gave me ... from when we beat Pendleton County (a few weeks ago)," said owner Matt Brock, who rushed over from his home that sits within eyesight of the restaurant.
Brock said a friend called his wife to let them know their burger joint was on fire.
According to Ludlow fire officials at the scene, the fire happened at around 11:45 p.m. Sunday night. When crews arrived, they found a fire inside the restaurant near the front counter; officials said the fire was contained to that area, but the restaurant suffered significant smoke damage.
"The equipment in there — all the cooking stuff, ice cream machines — things like that," Brock said. "They definitely have to be cleaned up."
Brock's friend and neighbor Dante Sela drove down to the restaurant Monday afternoon to survey the damage.
"It's sad, especially at this time of year," he said. "I feel for the Brocks and I feel for the town because many families have come to appreciate what 1975 has brought to the town as far as fun, wholesome dining, but it's just become a focal point for the city where people hang out, meet, have dinner have lunch, celebrate post-game victories."
1975 opened its doors in February. Named for the year the Ludlow High School football team won the Kentucky High School Football State Championship, it houses a collection of Ludlow football memorabilia.
"Every night that I come home from work I can see kids in here after school. It's a place where they can be safe and have a good time," Sela said.
The restaurant is meant to highlight the community's hometown pride.
The Ludlow Panthers made their deepest playoff run since 1975, falling this year to Kentucky Country Day in the quarterfinals. At the heart of the storybook season was All-District sophomore running back/linebacker Dameyn Anness who, along with his older brother, was taken in by the Brocks after falling on hard times.
"The restaurant, the school, giving the town a facelift by way of revamping properties, just in numerous ways the Brocks have supported Ludlow for as long as I've been a resident here," Sela said.
Officials have not yet identified the cause of the fire. Brock said it'll likely take weeks before he can reopen, but he's grateful to the community for their immediate outpouring of concern and support.
"Ludlow is just a big part of my life and we appreciate everything they've done," said Brock. "The state champions of 1975, we'll be back in no time."
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