By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – The historic Parkview Food and Pub, more known for years as Parkview Inn, on S. Morris in Bloomington was destroyed by fire Friday night. The fire started shortly after 6 at the popular bar and restaurant.

It is believed the restaurant is the oldest in Bloomington at its original site, having opened in 1928. Bloomington fire officials said Saturday morning the damage is estimated at $300,000.

Manager Cindy Villman told WJBC at first she didn’t know the building was on fire. She said she eventually saw flames over the stove.

“In the hoods in the kitchen. That’s where we saw flames at first,” said Villman.   “We smelled something burning. We were cooking and were busy, plenty of people.

“We just kept trying to get orders out while we were trying to figure out what was going on. And then we couldn’t really find anything, so we called the non-emergency number for the fire department. I came out and Rick (McCormick), the owner, was talking to them and I told him there was a lot more smoke in the dining room. They evacuated and that’s where we’re at.”

Mitch Wharton was inside the restaurant when the fire broke out.

“I was inside the restaurant and suddenly I heard a man say everyone needs to leave immediately,” said Wharton. “I turned and looked.  It was a fireman. He said, ‘I’m serious people. Leave now. Leave your drinks. go out,’ and it was a very orderly, swift procession. No panic. No nothing.”

As of Saturday morning the official cause was still unknown.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].