Ohio restaurant to close permanently after fire

WAYNESVILLE, Ohio (AP) — The owner of a popular southwest Ohio restaurant says it will close permanently after a fire that caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage.

No one was injured in the Oct. 13 fire that broke out at breakfast time at Der Dutchman in Waynesville, about 20 miles outside Dayton. The state fire marshal said the accidental blaze started on or near the cooking line.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports a spokeswoman for the company that owns and operated the restaurant says the decision to close was based on the cost of starting over and economic conditions.

The popular tourist spot sold Amish-style food and Southern staples including fried chicken and pies. It also hosted an annual sauerkraut cooking competition.

The restaurant had 101 employees.