‘It means a lot to a lot of people’: Popular Concord Diner goes up in flames

CONCORD, N.C. — Firefighters are investigating what caused a massive fire that destroyed a popular diner in Concord early Wednesday morning.

It happened just before 5 a.m. at the Concord Diner on Sherwood Court, which is off Concord Parkway.

Incredible video from @johnvon314 of the Concord Diner on fire right now. Crews are keeping us back because of flying debris in the air. I’ll have latest on @wsoctv in a few moments. pic.twitter.com/BKzgvSJKEB
— Anthony Kustura (@AnthonyWSOC9) January 27, 2021

Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura said he counted at least a dozen fire trucks at the scene of the fire. Officials said they needed help from Cabarrus County and Kannapolis to fight the flames.

Channel 9 crews said first responders kept them back from the scene because of flying debris.

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Authorities haven’t said what caused the fire. The fire marshal told Channel 9 it isn’t a total loss, but the damage is significant.

When firefighters first got to the scene, flames could be seen shooting from the roof. The fire marshal said their first concern was getting the blaze under control.

As first responders continued to fight the flames, the roof caved in. Crews spent hours getting the fire under control, tackling it from all sides with several hoses to saturate the flare-ups.

>> Watch below: Flames tear through Concord diner (credit: Paul Loffire)

The family restaurant is well known in Cabarrus County.

Since the fire, the diner’s Facebook page has been flooded with comments sending sympathy and well wishes.

We want everyone to know that everyone is safe. We appreciate all your concern and prayers. Please keep Peter and Carrie and the staff in your thoughts and Prayers.
Posted by Concord Diner on Wednesday, January 27, 2021

One man told Channel 9 he drove by and said the fire just kept getting worse.

“The flames just started coming, and it just got worse and worse and worse,” Concord resident Stephen Miller said. “The restaurant is a big deal. It means a lot to a lot of people.”

In a Facebook post, the diner’s owners said, “Everyone is safe. We appreciate all your concern and prayers.”

>> Watch below: Roof collapses during raging fire at Concord diner (credit: Paul Loffire)

Channel 9 spoke with dozens of residents who were shocked by what they saw.

“I just can’t believe it,” said Kenneth Williams. “There’s gonna be a lot of people that’s gonna miss the restaurant. I’m just shocked right now.”

“I know the owners and I’ve got a friend who works here,” said Ines Duarte. “I’m sad. I’m really sad.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but no injuries were reported.

Concord diner fire Concord diner fire (credit: Paul Loffire) (Paul Loffire)

“I hate that it happened and I do hope they rebuild it,” said Laura Miller. “It was a big part of my life for a long time. I would hate to drive by that for five or 10 years and just see an empty shadow of what was there.”

The northbound and southbound lanes of Concord Parkway have reopened, but Central Drive between Porter Avenue and Concord Parkway were still closed while the fire department investigates.

Hello friends and family, Pete and I are overwhelmed with all of the prayers and community support. We are so grateful...
Posted by Concord Diner on Wednesday, January 27, 2021

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.