By Harry Harris
Oakland Tribune
OAKLAND, Calif. — The future of the landmark Merritt Bakery and Restaurant, which has been serving generations of customers for decades, is now in doubt after a fire early Wednesday damaged the kitchen area and other parts of the building.
The one-alarm blaze at the business at 203 East 18th Street across from Lake Merritt, erupted about 2:35 a.m. and was controlled in about 45 minutes by fire crews. Officials said the cause was undetermined. Battalion Fire Chief Coy Justice said the fire started in a rear ground floor storage area and spread to the second floor where offices were. The kitchen did suffer some damage mostly from falling debris and smoke, he said.
No injuries were reported. Officials did not have a dollar amount for the damage caused but said it will be months before the restaurant is able to operate again.
Full story: Oakland: Landmark Merritt Bakery and Restaurant severely damaged by fire