ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE 12/23/24: Escanaba Public Safety released more details about the destructive fire at the Stonehouse Restaurant. EPD says the call came in around 5:47 a.m. Saturday. EPD attempted to make entry but couldn’t because the interior floor had already collapsed into the basement.
After battling the fire for several hours, an excavator was eventually brought in so the fire could be extinguished.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
EPD was assisted by the Ford River Township Fire Department, Escanaba Township Fire Department, Rampart EMS, Michigan State Police, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, DTE, City of Escanaba Dept. of Public Works, Escanaba City Electric, City of Escanaba Water Dept., Delta County Central Dispatch, Ed Brunette Construction, and the Red Cross.
EPD also thanks Citgo Gas, Circle K, Wendy’s Gladstone Deli, Elmer’s County Market, and any other businesses that donated food and warm beverages to assist firefighters.
Original story 12/21/24:
The Stonehouse in Escanaba is a total loss following a fire that broke early Saturday morning.
It is unknown if there were any injuries and a cause has not been released.
According to the restaurant website, the family-owned business opened in 1982 and is currently run by John & Starr Romps along with their sons John and Matthew. On the restaurant Facebook page, they posted on Saturday, “A new go fund me is being prepared and we will post it here on our website. Thanks.”
Proceeds from Saturday’s Lights in the Park in Rapid River will now go towards supporting the staff of The Stonehouse.