Manresa, Damaged by Fire, Will Rise Again With New Dishes

Manresa will return after repairs following a fire that occurred at the three Michelin-starred restaurant in July. The 16-year-old Los Gatos restaurant will reopen on September 19, boasting a menu made up of about half new dishes, which chef David Kinch developed during the hiatus.

According to the Santa Clara County Fire Department, the fire began outside the restaurant and spread inside — just as it did during a similar incident four years ago, which closed the restaurant for six months. A pile of dish towels soaked in sunflower seed oil and left outside reportedly caught fire in the heat, according to a fire department investigation.

The blaze, which occurred when the restaurant was empty, left its facade damaged and a hole in its roof. It also wiped out most of the antique Japanese glassware in the restaurant. And most of all, it caused smoke damage, requiring carpets and more to be replaced.

Insurance paid workers during the closure, including a portion of what they would have made in tips. Meanwhile, many staff spent time at other restaurants in the area while repairs were made. Reservations for the period affected by the fire were rescheduled, according to the restaurant’s website

Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that insurance only compensated salaried employees during Manresa’s closure.

• Manresa, Bay Area Restaurant Damaged in Fire, Will Reopen [NYT]
• Manresa Damaged by Fire for Second Time in Four Years [ESF]
• Manresa [Official]