Staff Writer

It was a call South City Grill owner Ryan Dutillieul didn't want to receive.

Shortly before 10 p.m. last night, South City Grill's top half was engulfed in flames with rescue workers on the way. No one was in the building at the time of the fire.

“I was the last one out,” said Dutillieul, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Lindsey. “I had gone home, taken a shower and then got the call.”

The restaurant is located on West Gordon Street, which was blocked off as rescue personnel worked the scene, between Noell's and Jins Place.

There is no definite cause for the fire, but it was contained in the upstairs with the downstairs receiving water damage. Loose wires hanging from the ceiling could play a role in the late night fire.

The upstairs of the successful downtown restaurant was mainly used as an office space, but the couple had plans to renovate. Recently, they had discussed plans about how to utilize the top half of the building.

South City Grill will celebrate there one year anniversary in downtown Thomaston on June 22.

Despite the smoke and water damage Dutillieul is optimistic about re-opening. He said he did not have a timeline, but he knows they will open again. South City Grill has 10 employees.

Twenty-seven rescue personnel were on the scene late Thursday night from the Thomaston Fire Department, Upson County Rescue, Upson Regional Medical Center EMS, Thomaston Police Department, Upson County Sheriff's Department and volunteers from Thurston, Lincoln Park, Rock Hill and Northside.