The restaurant was founded in September 1993 by Carlos Hirlemann and has become a landmark for Salvadoran families. After the fire, they will redouble their efforts to open soon and will continue to offer the traditional food service.
The Pueblo Viejo restaurant was founded in September 1993 by Carlos Hirlemann. It quickly became a landmark for the inhabitants of the capital, as well as a meeting place for the family.
He was born under the concept of the culinary traditions of the Salvadoran peoples. Despite the fact that the fire that took place on Tuesday night destroyed 95% of the premises, the administration expects to continue to provide the service in a short time, according to Marina de Mancía, the general manager.
“This situation was shocking for us and we are rebuilding everything to activate this business as soon as possible. (…) We have no idea (of losses), but we know that we have losses of over 95%, but of 100% ”, said Mancía.
He explained that the necessary processes are already underway for the reconstruction of the premises, as well as the payment of salaries for employees, because, despite the incident, there is job security and salary.
PHOTO and VIDEO: Fire destroys part of Pueblo Viejo restaurant on Los Héroes Boulevard
“Thank you and we are dedicated, we will move forward and you will visit us again soon. It is a very unfortunate situation, but far from ignoring we must be strong, we must be united in that situation and together we will resume this. This is a swelling in the road “, he told the employees on Wednesday morning.
Pueblo Viejo is a restaurant with a traditional and refined menu, because, in Mancía’s words: “the idea is for people to come and understand that they live inside like in a city, with the traditions of a city and the food of a city”.
The impact of the fire
The fire completely consumed the restaurant, according to Eduardo Suncín, head of security at the Roble Group.
Because the structure of the restaurant is made of wood, firefighters worked to control the fire in the ceiling of the second floor. Photo EDH / Jessica Orellana
“The immediate help of the Fire Department prevented the spread of the fire in other units, it was managed to contain it. Initially we dealt with a damage of 30 or 40%, but in reality the same combustible material from what was inside, wood, textiles made the work a little difficult and we ended up consuming the entire unit, “he said.
He explained that it is believed that the unit had a kitchen on both levels and it is assumed that a short circuit that took place between the office and the kitchen on the upper floor could have caused the incident, but this is a fact that must be verified by experts.
Nearby areas were also damaged by smoke and water used to extinguish the fire. Suncín explained that two pharmacies next to the restaurant were affected by smoke, four shops behind water, including a video game business, a beauty salon and a mobile phone tool shop, the latter has a loss of 50% in cargo.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Old Town Pictures of Old Town
The restaurant was a venue for concerts, but also important political events for the country. El Diario de Hoy in its archive recorded some events, such as a meeting of candidates for magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice in March 2003.
Candidates for the magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice. EDH photo archive
Just like a 2003 meeting of FMLN members, including Schafik Hand, when he was running for president.
Schafik Hand with FMLN members in 2003, when he ran for president. Photo EDH File
Pueblo Viejo was also known for its nights of live music and concerts. Among the artists who visited the Restaurant is Aniceto Molina.
Aniceto Molina in a concert at the Pueblo Viejo restaurant
Dance nights were one of the attractions of Pueblo Viejo. EDH photo archive
Pueblo Viejo restaurant bar. EDH photo archive