The popular Pappas Drive In & Family Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach was destroyed by fire early Monday morning, according to the city's fire department. Little is currently known about the nature of the fire, but already the community is reeling from the loss of a longtime business staple.
The City of New Smyrna Beach Fire Department said the fire started around midnight. When their personnel arrived on scene they found smoke coming from the restaurant's attic with 'heavy fire conditions' underway. Volusia County Fire Rescue also responded to help fight the blaze.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire per the CNSBFD, and no one was present at the building when the fire started. When the sun rose Monday it shed light on the ravaged building, with most of the roof area destroyed entirely. Debris from the fire littered the parking lot, and much of the structure was visibly charred and burnt.
Having opened in 1970, Pappas became one of the most well-known restaurants in New Smyrna Beach. It recently received renewed attention when Brad Pitt visited to film part of a currently-untitled racing film.
