The Woodland Hills location at Blu Jam Cafe was temporarily closed after a fire that caused severe damage to the restaurant’s kitchen and dining area. A fire broke out on the afternoon of August 1st inside a cafe at 23311 W. Mulholland Drive, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Firefighters responded to reports of heavy smoke around 4:30pm, and additional businesses were dispatched, including units from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. No injuries were reported, but the damage to the business was described as extensive.
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In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, Blu Jam Cafe confirmed the closure and thanked the patrons for their support. “Thankfully, no one was injured, but we need time to assess the space and repair it before we can resume,” the post read. The restaurant encouraged guests to visit other locations during the closure.
Chef and owner Kamil Majere told KTLA that the official cause is still under investigation, but the fire could have been a result of dripping oil from the kitchen hood. The restaurant insurance company will conduct another investigation into the case.
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Majer has expressed deep frustration and sadness during the latest sets, calling it some of the set of challenges his business has faced in recent years, including the Covid-19 pandemic, economic downturn, rising labor, food costs, and declining tourism.
“This place is our second best, so it’s a struggle, but I’m struggling,” he said. “It was hell for over five years. In 2019 we had 300 employees. Now we have around 70. I’m really sad and upset.”
Blu Jam Cafe is a locally beloved brunch chain known for its signature crispy French toast and organic ingredients. The front post base in Woodland Hills has long served residents of West San Fernando Valley and nearby Calabasas. No reopening timeline has been announced.
The cafe said it will continue to provide updates through its social media channels.
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