Firefighters responded early Tuesday after a popular Dania Beach restaurant went up in flames, police said.
The fire broke out at Tropical Acres at 2400 Griffin Road shortly before 4 a.m., according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Police say the building was fully engulfed in flames when Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue units responded.
The fire was quickly under control as neighboring homes were evacuated, police said. One firefighter was treated for dehydration, officials said.
Tropical Acres was closed at the time and there were no injuries. The owner of the restaurant said it looked like the fire began in the laundry room but authorities haven't confirmed how or where it started.
"This is emotional to say the least," said owner Jack Studiale. "There's extensive water and smoke damage throughout the restaurant."
Studiale said the restaurant is a four-generation, family-owned establishment that employs 62 people.
"That's part of our concern, their livelihood as well. It's tough being summer, let alone having to be out of work the next week or two," said manager Michael Greenlaw.
The fire shut down traffic in both directions for six blocks on Griffin Road as investigators worked to determine the cause.
Owners thanked a quick-thinking officer on patrol who noticed the flames and called it in.
"I would hate to think what would've happened if it were noticed half an hour later,” Studiale said.
"It's a matter of seconds or minutes that could've dictate whether its a partial loss or total loss and there's a good chance he may have saved our family's future as well as our employees," Greenlaw added.
Employees are now looking ahead, getting through the fire in hopes of soon getting back to business.
"There's some damage but it's not anything we can't repair,” Studiale said.
The news comes just over a day after another popular South Florida eatery, Crabby Jack's, in Deerfield Beach, was destroyed by a fire. That fire is also under investigation.
