AJ’s Diner: We’ll be back all nice and new

AJ’s Diner: We’ll be back all nice and new

17 July 2024

OWNERS of AJ’s Diner in Crossgar have dismissed speculation that the business will not reopen following a major fire on Boxing Day.

Over 50 firefighters helped tackle the blaze for several hours at the hugely popular Crestaurant which is believed to have started in the kitchen which sustained substantial damage.

Residents helped remove 15 large gas cylinders away from the rear of the building and an aerial appliance was used as part of the Fire and Rescue Service response.

No one was hurt in the blaze with the restaurant owners confirming via social media that the restaurant will reopen.

They have revealed there have been a few delays in the rebuilding process.

The owners say the entire interior has been stripped right back to the brickwork due to smoke damage. 

“There is more to the rebuild than we realised but we are close to getting the tender process out to builders/fit out companies to do the work,” said the online post.

“But as everything, this will take a bit of time. We are definitely re opening.”

The social media post added: “There are a few rumours saying we aren’t opening again but we 100% are. We’ll be back all nice and new, but still the same AJs you love.”

The owners say they will keep people informed as the tender process progresses and that they appreciate everyone’s understanding and support.

The fire – which was reported in the early afternoon – saw nine appliances, including the aerial appliance, rushing to the scene with breathing apparatus teams sent into the building to tackle the flames.

Images from the scene posted on social media showed the scale of the significant operation, with smoke billowing into the sky from the rear of the building where the kitchen is located. Smoke also poured out from upstairs windows.

Firefighters believe the blaze was centred on a kitchen-storeroom area in the building with an investigation launched to establish the cause of the fire.

As firefighters tackled the blaze, Downpatrick Street and Station Road were both closed, while some residents who lived in nearby apartments who were evacuated were allowed to return to their homes later in the evening.