EL DORADO, Calif. — Poor Red’s Bar-B-Q in El Dorado will be closed this weekend following a fire on Saturday, Sept. 20, due to an exhaust fan failure on the restaurant’s roof, officials said. The restaurant plans to reopen with normal hours on Wednesday.
Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 4:30 p.m. Saturday after the exhaust fan began malfunctioning and caught fire. All employees and patrons were safely evacuated and no injuries have been reported, according to an on-site statement from the establishment.
“The safety of our staff and guests is our top priority,”
a representative for Poor Red’s said in a press release.
“We regret the inconvenience and look forward to serving the community again beginning Wednesday.”
The owners are using the closure to inspect and repair the roof exhaust system, ensure safety protocols and equipment are fully operational, and conduct any other necessary maintenance.
Timeline
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Sept. 20 | ~4:30 p.m. | Roof exhaust fan fails and catches fire; fire trucks arrive. |
| Saturday evening through Sunday | — | Restaurant remains closed for safety inspection and repairs. |
| Wednesday, Sept. 24 | Opening time per normal hours | Restaurant scheduled to reopen. |
Here’s a deeper look at the history of Poor Red’s Bar-B-Q, drawn from local reports, interviews and archival sources:
Origins & Early Years
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The building currently housing Poor Red’s originally served as a Wells Fargo weigh station in the 1850s.
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From 1927 until about 1945, the building operated as Kelly’s Bar.
How It Became “Poor Red’s”
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The name and identity “Poor Red’s Bar-B-Q” began in 1945, when a man known as “Poor Red” won Kelly’s Bar in a game of dice.
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He and his wife Opal (“Rich Opal”) transformed it into a barbecue joint, serving chicken, ribs, and steak. Opal handled the books.
Traditions & Signature Features
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Golden Cadillac: In 1952, a couple celebrating their engagement, driving a golden Cadillac, asked bartender Frank Klein (sometimes spelled Cline in various sources) to create a cocktail matching their car. The result was the Golden Cadillac: a blended drink (Galliano, white crème de cacao, cream) that remains Poor Red’s signature.
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Murals installed in the 1940s adorn the interior, depicting Gold Country history, mining, farming, and life in El Dorado (including some local lore)
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Some quirky lore:
- Their dog (Poor Red’s) used to sit out front and is part of local stories; there’s even rumor the dog once ran for public office (though that appears to be more legend than verified history).
- Traditional décor includes a double-tier bar, shoe-shine bench from a bus station in Sacramento, and memorabilia that evokes Old-Gold Country ambience.
Decline, Closure, and Rebirth
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Over time, the restaurant fell into challenges. By the early 2010s it had closed under previous ownership. Legal and financial issues are cited in reports.
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The building had deteriorated; there was a point where El Dorado County considered demolition.
Restoration & Recent Era
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In 2016, Poor Red’s was revived. Brothers Jeff and Mike Genovese, together with Mike Hountalas (of restaurant-management background), bought and renovated it.
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The reopening included preserving the historic parts (murals, bar layout, original stonework), but also adding new features: expanded dining, outdoor patio, updated kitchen, more seating, updated bathrooms, etc.
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The menu expanded somewhat, introducing more contemporary and “upscale-casual” touches while still keeping barbecue staples. For example, dishes like chicken and waffles, fresh local ingredients, wood-fired cooking with local woods.
Cultural & Local Significance
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Poor Red’s is more than a restaurant; it’s a roadhouse landmark and community gathering place — for locals, travelers on Highway 50 between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, and for those seeking Gold Country history.
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The Golden Cadillac tradition remains a draw and point of pride. Poor Red’s reportedly consumes a significant share of Galliano liqueur in the U.S., largely because of this drink.
