Whiskey C temporarily closed due to fire damage

WAITSBURG - On Sunday at 9 p.m., an equipment malfunction caused a kitchen fire at the Whiskey C Restaurant on Preston Avenue. The business is temporarily closed due to the resulting damage. The owners Corben Ketelsen and Tommy Long said they hope to reopen within 30 days.

Ketelsen said the chef, the restaurant's unsung hero over the last few years, was the only person injured. He suffered severe burns to his right arm and hand after a reaction from a possible propane leak flashed in his face and torso. He is recovering and expected to make a full recovery.

Ketelsen and Long will know more about the extent of the damage after an insurance fire inspection is completed this week. They estimated the loss to the business to be as high as $100,000, including lost revenue during the shutdown.

A significant concern for the owners is supporting staff while the Whiskey C is temporarily closed. Part-time employees do not qualify for "standby" unemployment benefits, and it is unclear whether insurance will cover lost wages.

Long and Ketelsen will post updates on the Whiskey C Facebook page.