The restaurant was founded in September 1993 by Carlos Hirlemann and became a reference for Salvadoran families. After the fire, they will redouble their efforts to open soon and continue to provide traditional food service.
Pueblo Viejo restaurant was founded in September 1993 by Carlos Hirlemann. It quickly became a benchmark for the residents of the capital, as well as a meeting place for families.
It was born under the concept of culinary traditions of the Salvadoran peoples. Despite the fact that the fire on Tuesday evening destroyed 95% of the property, the administration expects to be able to continue providing the service within a short time, said Marina de Mancía, general manager.
“This situation was shocking to us and we are rebuilding everything to activate this business as soon as possible. (…) We have no idea (of the losses), but we know that we have more than 95% but 100% losses, ”said Mancía.
He explained that the necessary processes are already being carried out for the reconstruction of the property, as well as the payment of salaries for the employees, as there is job and salary security despite the incident.
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Fire destroys part of the Pueblo Viejo restaurant on Los Héroes boulevard
“We thank you and we are committed, we move forward and you will visit us again soon. It’s a very unfortunate situation, but far from ignoring we have to be strong, we have to be united in that situation and together we will address this again. This is a bump in the road, ”he told employees on Wednesday morning.
Pueblo Viejo is a restaurant with a traditional and exquisite menu, because, in Mancía’s words, “the idea is that people come to understand that they live indoors as in a city, with traditions of a city and food of a city.”
Consequences of the fire
According to Eduardo Suncín, Grupo Roble’s Chief of Security, the fire has completely consumed the restaurant.
Because the structure of the restaurant is made of wood, firefighters worked to keep the fire in the ceiling of the second floor under control. Photo EDH / Jessica Orellana
“Immediate help from the fire brigade prevented the fire from spreading to other establishments, they managed to contain it. Initially we dealt with a 30 or 40% infestation, but in reality the same combustible material as what was inside, wood and textiles, made the job a little difficult and we had to have the whole establishment eaten, ”he said.
He explained that the establishment is believed to have kitchens on both levels and it is believed that a short between the office and the upstairs kitchen could have caused the incident, but the fact is that needs to be verified by experts.
Nearby buildings were also damaged by the smoke and water used to extinguish the fire. Suncín explained that two pharmacies next to the restaurant were affected by the smoke, four stores in the back on the water, including a video game company, a beauty salon and a mobile phone tool shop, the latter having a 50% loss in merchandise.
So far the cause of the fire is unknown.
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The restaurant has been a venue for concerts as well as important political events for the country. El Diario de Hoy has recorded a number of events in his archive, such as a meeting of candidates for Supreme Court magistrates in March 2003.
Candidates for Supreme Court magistrates. Photo archive EDH
As well as a meeting in 2003 of members of the FMLN, including Schafik Hand when he ran for president.
Schafik Hand with members of the FMLN in 2003 when he ran for president. Photo EDH file
Pueblo Viejo was also known for its live music nights and concerts. One of the artists who visited the restaurant is Aniceto Molina.
Aniceto Molina given a concert at the Pueblo Viejo Restaurant
Dance evenings were one of the attractions of Pueblo Viejo. Photo archive EDH
Bar of the Pueblo Viejo Restaurant. Photo archive EDH