In an emailed response to the Signal Tribune, Craig Hofman, president of Hofman Hospitality Group, confirmed that the restaurant, which had been in business at 4251 Long Beach Blvd. since 1961, will not reopen.
On the evening of Jan. 18 and the next morning in 2015, two fires broke out in the kitchen’s ventilation system, leaving the restaurant inoperable. The first fire occurred shortly after 9pm Sunday, and there were patrons eating in the restaurant at that time, according to Brian Fisk, public information officer for the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD). All occupants were safely escorted outside by restaurant staff, and the initial fire was isolated to the kitchen ventilation system and areas of the structure in close proximity to the ventilation ducts, Fisk said.
At 1:03am the next day, a passerby called 9-1-1 and reported visible flames coming from the roof of the restaurant, according to the LBFD.
Firefighters initiated an “aggressive fire attack,” according to Fisk.
“Shortly thereafter, a second-alarm assignment requested [!] additional manpower and resources to limit the spread of fire,” states a press release from LBFD. “Fire-suppression operations continued for approximately one hour. One firefighter was injured and transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries.”
Hofman Hospitality Group had planned to reopen the location but recently determined it would not be feasible.
“Our Bixby Knolls Hof’s Hut has been an important part of our family for years. After careful review of the fire damage with our insurance company, we will be unable to reopen the restaurant,” Hofman said. “Prior to the devastating fire, we completed landscaping projects and were in the midst of redecorating. It is disappointing to not continue our plans, but the circumstances as a result of the fire make it impossible. We appreciate the warm support from the community through the years and will miss serving our loyal guests at this location.”
Blair Cohn, executive director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, said it is disappointing to hear about the loss of the local Hof’s Hut.
“It was a landmark and a neighborhood favorite for years,” Cohn said in an emailed response to the Signal Tribune Tuesday. “And it’s really sad to see a Killingsworth building get destroyed. The architecture is so important to the Bixby Knolls area and provides a time piece for the history and development here. We have been celebrating all of the new businesses and development in the area lately but have lost landmarks like Nino’s, Le Yen and now Hof’s Hut. I like to have the balance of the long-time favorites among all of the new features, but there are things way beyond our control.”
