Historic restaurant closed after kitchen fire

A historic restaurant has closed indefinitely after a kitchen fire Friday.

The J. Huston Tavern at Arrow Rock Historic Site is the oldest continuously-operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River.

The director of the Missouri Division of State Parks said officials are working to get the tavern up and running as soon as possible.

The fire began in a compressor of a refrigeration unit, authorities say. It contained to the kitchen, which has extensive damage. There was minor damage to the exterior of the building.

“We are very thankful to our own Mike Dickey, Arrow Rock site administrator and Arrow Rock’s Volunteer Fire Department chief,” said Carol Comer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Damage was limited to the historic portion of the building due his quick response, which most likely saved the structure from even more damage.”