Anticipation was building this week ahead of the opening of Hell's Kitchen chef Gordon Ramsay's first Canadian restaurant, but patrons and staff were forced out of the grand event Wednesday night when the sprinkler system was somehow triggered.

The Twitter feed of Laurier Gordon Ramsay, located on chic Laurier Avenue West in Montreal's upscale Outremont neighbourhood, reported the evacuation early Wednesday evening.

A news release from the restaurant that offered an apology to customers also noted it "experienced a malfunction with its sprinkler equipment, and the restaurant was evacuated. The situation is under control."

The release said the restaurant experienced limited damage, the sprinkler equipment will be inspected Thursday morning and there would be updates "as they become available."

Ramsay, a 44-year-old Scottish-born chef, cookbook author and tough-talking host of cooking shows, is one of the partners of Laurier Gordon Ramsay, occupying the space of a Montreal landmark formerly known as Rotisserie Laurier BBQ.

On Tuesday, he was in Montreal to promote the new restaurant, describing it as "shabby chic" and "affordable glam."

He wasn't in the city for the grand opening.

Ramsay also has restaurants across the United States, including in New York, Florida and Los Angeles.