Fire Destroys Bridget Foy’s on South Street

A 2-alarm fire tore through Bridget Foy’s on South Street in the middle of the night. The fire started around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday in the restaurant’s basement kitchen and wasn’t declared under control until almost 4 a.m. More than 100 firefighters were on the scene, reports Fox 29. Three firefighters were hurt battling the blaze, according to CBS Philly, and were brought to the hospital in stable condition. Dog groomers Doggie Style next door was also severely damaged. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Firefighters fought from inside Bridget Foy’s at first, but there were concerns the building would collapse and they were forced to evacuate. They remained at the site through the morning, pouring water on the smoking building. The fire was mostly contained to the restaurant but Doggie Style was severely damaged and two dogs died from smoke inhalation. Eleven people were displaced from nearby apartments.

John Foy opened the restaurant at 2nd and South streets just under 40 years ago as East Philly Café. He changed the name in 1982 when his daughter, Bridget, was born.

People are showing support for the Foys on social media, with South Street Headhouse District tweeting: “Our hearts go out to the entire Foy family on today's fire at Bridget Foy's. Bridget Foy's has been cornerstone of South St for 40 yrs.”

The neighborhood business organization also posted this statement on Facebook:

Early this morning a fire ripped through the corner of 2nd & South Street devastating the iconic Bridget Foy's restaurant and severely damaging Doggie Style Pet Store next door.

Our hearts go out to John, Bernadette, Bridget, Paul and the entire Foy family. Bridget Foy's has been the cornerstone of South Street for 40 years and a vital part of our colorful and vibrant South Street story - and an important part of Philadelphia's history. Families from around the city, region and country have come through Foy's doors to find a wonderfully warm welcome and exceptional hospitality from this beloved family (and their staff). Foy's is a special tradition for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and so many other special occasions.

Please keep the family and staff in your thoughts - as well as Howard Nelson and staff of Doggie Style, and those displaced in neighboring apartments.

Our sincere thanks for all the first responders and the city's defenders for their efforts to contain the fire and keep our neighborhood safe.

Please stay tuned for updates about how we can support the Foy's, Howard at the Pet Store, and anyone else affected.